Vulnerability Schemas in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

This article elaborates on the construct of dysfunctional vulnerability schemas in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)(Sookman & Pinard, 1995,1999; Sookman, Pinard, & Beauchemin, 1994). These schemas are conceptualized as a central mechanism of excessive threat appraisals proposed to be the predominant cognitive problem in anxiety (Beck, 1996; Beck & Clark, 1997). Four domains of beliefs are hypothesized to comprise vulnerability in OCD: Perceived Vulnerability; View of/Response to Unpredictability, Newness, and Change; View of Strong Affect; and Need for Control. A study carried out with 111 subjects indicated that OCD patients more strongly endorsed these beliefs compared with patients with other anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and normal controls. The discriminant function derived from these four belief domains was effective in classifying OCD patients and other subjects into their respective groups. The results support the inclusion of dysfunctional vulnerability beliefs in cognitive assessment and treatment of OCD.