A network analysis of body dysmorphic and obsessive-compulsive symptoms among individuals with and without exposure to trauma

Abstract

Background

BDD and OCD symptoms often co-occur, but the associations between specific symptoms remain unclear. Furthermore, current research suggests that the clinical presentation of emotional disorders can differ in individuals who self-report exposure to trauma, but it is unclear whether this extends to BDD and OCD. The current study aimed to: (a) investigate associations between individual OCD and BDD symptoms and (b) determine whether symptom networks differ in those with self-reported trauma compared to those without self-reported trauma.

Methods

Participants (N = 3127) were drawn from the Genetic Links to Anxiety and Depression (GLAD) Study and had completed validated self-reported questionnaires to assess BDD and OCD symptoms, and childhood and adulthood experiences of trauma. Network analysis was used to investigate associations between seven BDD symptoms and six OCD symptom domains. Networks of reporters and non-reporters of lifetime trauma were compared using the network comparison test.

Results

BDD and OCD symptoms clustered distinctively with some bridging associations between them. The strongest bridging edges highlighted an association between three core BDD symptoms and the OCD domain of obsessional thoughts. BDD and OCD networks of reporters and non-reporters of lifetime trauma did not differ.

Limitations

Cross-sectional design, meaning causality cannot be inferred.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that BDD and OCD symptoms cluster distinctively, with some bridging associations between core BDD symptoms and obsessional thoughts. Future research is needed to understand the mechanisms underpinning this relationship.