Investigation of the Relationship Between Suicide Probability and Distress Tolerance in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Abstract

The risk of suicide is higher in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) than in the general population. There are several risk factors associated with suicidality in OCD. Distress tolerance is the capacity to experience and withstand negative psychological states. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between distress tolerance and suicidality in OCD. This study was conducted on 83 patients diagnosed with OCD. OCD-related data were obtained with the Yale Brown Obsession Compulsion Scale (YBOCS) and the Dimensional Obsession Compulsion Scale (DOCS). Suicide Probability Scale (SPS) was used to assess suicide risk. Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS) was used to measure the level of distress tolerance. Severity of anxiety and depression symptoms was assessed with the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The proportion of patients with a history of attempted suicide at any point in their lives was 13.3%. As a result of the regression analysis, DTS score, YBOCS score, BDI score, history of suicide attempt, and having a diagnosis of any personality disorder were associated with SPS score. Decreased distress tolerance (DT) capacity was associated with increased suicide probability. Distress tolerance capacity is a predictive factor for suicide probability in OCD. Suicidality in OCD is an important clinical entity that requires attention. Close monitoring of patients with risk factors that increase the likelihood of suicide may provide an opportunity for early intervention. Psychological interventions aimed at increasing DT capacity may be useful in reducing the suicide probability.