Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorder Symptoms in College Students

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated the occurrence of obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders (OCSDs) and associated symptomology in college students. Participants: Participants included 358 undergraduate students. Results: Results suggest that clinically significant levels of OCSD symptoms are relatively common. Additionally, OCSD symptoms co-occurred with each other and anxiety symptoms in general, yet not significantly with impulsivity symptoms. Conclusions: Given their prevalence in college students and potentially debilitating nature, it is important to increase awareness of OCSDs so that health professionals can better identify and treat symptoms of these disorders.

Keywords:

• body dysmorphic disorder
• health anxiety
• obsessive-compulsive spectrum
• pathological skin picking
• trichotillomania