title: The characteristics of unacceptable/taboo thoughts in obsessive-compulsive disorder.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In the quest to unravel the heterogeneity of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), an increasing number of factor analytic studies are recognising unacceptable/taboo thoughts as one of the symptom dimensions of OCD.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aims to examine the characteristics associated with unacceptable/taboo thoughts.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale Symptom Checklist (YBOCS-SC) with 154 individuals with OCD, obsessive-compulsive symptoms were subjected to principal components analysis. The characteristics associated with the resulting symptom dimensions were then assessed using logistic and linear regression techniques.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Unacceptable/taboo thoughts comprised of sexual, religious and impulsive aggressive obsessions, and mental rituals. Higher scores on an unacceptable/taboo thoughts symptom dimension were predicted by higher Y-BOCS obsession subscores, Y-BOCS time preoccupied by obsessions scores, Y-BOCS distress due to obsessions scores, importance of control of thought ratings, male gender, and having had treatment prior to entering into the study. Unacceptable/taboo thoughts were also predicted by greater levels of hostility, and a past history of non-alcohol substance dependence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An unacceptable/taboo thought symptom dimension of OCD is supported by a unique set of associated characteristics that should be considered in the assessment and treatment of individuals with these symptoms.
authors.affiliation: University of Sydney, Sydney Medical School-Nepean, Discipline of Psychiatry, Sydney/Penrith, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: vbrakoulias@bigpond.com.
authors.forename: Vlasios
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Brakoulias
authors.forename: Vladan
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Starcevic
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Berle
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Milicevic
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Moses
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hannan
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sammut
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Martin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003192:Compulsive Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013609:Taboo / Q000523:psychology*; D013850:Thinking