Effect of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder on Word StemCompletion Test (WSCT) and Cognitive Processes

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between implicit memory performance and cognitive processes in individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).Material and Method: In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between implicit memory performance and cognitive processes by comparing a group of 30 Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) patients that presented to Yüzüncü Yıl University Medical School Hospital Psychiatry Polyclinic and a group of 40 healthy subjects. Both groups were administered demographic data form and the Word Stem Completion Test (WSCT). The patient group was additionally administered Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), Dimensional Yale-Brown ObsessiveCompulsive Scale (DY-BOCS), Metacognitions Questionnaire 30 (MCQ-30), Thought-Action Fusion Scale (TAFS), and Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire-44 (OBQ-44).Results: It was determined that the increase in Y-BOCS and cognitive parameters (TAFS, OBQ-44, MCQ-30) scores adversely affected the performance of WSCT. The mean WSCT score was 7.63±3.05 in the patient group and 6.30±2.09 in the control group (p=0.034). TAF parameter is the most important cognitive parameter affecting implicit memory performance.Conclusion: In OCD, implicit memory performance is adversely affected as the severity of the disease increases.