Worries and obsessions in individuals with obsessive–compulsive disorder with and without comorbid generalized anxiety disorder

Participants from the DSM-IV field trial for OCD (N=381) were divided into two groups based on the SCID interview: those who met current criteria for obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) but not generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and those who met current diagnostic criteria for both. The groups were compared on their severity of obsessive and compulsive symptoms, as well as on the percent of individuals who reported excessive worry concerning everyday issues (e.g. health, finances). The comorbidity rate was 20%. While the presence of GAD did not elevate OCD symptoms per se, it was associated with more pathological responsibility and indecisiveness. Excessive worries were significantly more common in those with comorbid OCD and GAD. The relationship between obsessions and worries is discussed.