Exploration of Transdiagnostic Processes in Recurrent Depression, Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder, and Cyberchondria: A Clinical Case Study

Abstract The present case study describes a 36-year-old male patient presenting with symptoms of recurrent depressive disorder and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) characterized by persistent sadness, negative cognitions, diminished interest, disrupted sleep and appetite, fears related to harm and death, intrusive perverse religious imagery, and compulsive handwashing, alongside pronounced cyberchondria behaviors characterized by excessive and repetitive online searches concerning OCD symptoms, physical health concerns, treatment modalities, and unsupervised medication alterations based on online information. Both the depressive and OCD symptomatology, alongside cyberchondria behaviors, significantly contribute to his psychological distress and functional impairment. A comprehensive clinical assessment was conducted, including case history, mental status examination, and administration of psychological tests. The findings indicated severe obsessional thoughts with compulsive behaviors, alongside significant depressive symptoms. Psychological assessments revealed pervasive negative self-perception, emotional avoidance, and cognitive impairments driven by intrusive thoughts, as well as dysfunctional interpersonal patterns. The patient also had maladaptive coping strategies characterized by avoidance, ritualistic compulsions, and cyberchondria, the latter manifesting through repetitive online health information seeking and unsupervised adjustments in treatment. The case formulation highlights an overlapping symptomatology of recurrent depressive disorder, OCD, and cyberchondria, all sustained by common transdiagnostic processes. The present case shows the complex interplay between OCD, depression, and cyberchondria where compulsive rituals and metacognitive beliefs perpetuate distress. The findings underscore the need for greater understanding of the transdiagnostic processes involved.