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Objective: To evaluate the differences in obsessional belief between patients with major depressive disorders (MDD) and matched healthy controls using the obsessive beliefs questionnaire.
Methods: The study sample included 74 outpatients with MDD and 74 healthy subjects. The two groups matched for age, gender and education level. The diagnoses were based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of Mental Disorder (DSM-IV). The severity of depression was measured with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). All participants filled out the 44-item Obsessional-Beliefs Questionnaire (OBQ).
Results: The total and subscale OBQ scores [Responsibility/Threat Estimation (RT), Perfectionism/Certainly (PC) and Importance/Control of Thoughts (ICT)], were significantly higher in patients with MDD than those of the control group. There was a positive correlation between HAM-D scores and the OBQ subscale scores (RT, PC and ICT) in patients.
Conclusion: Obsessional beliefs appear to be related to MDD.