Obsessive Compulsive Symptom Dimensions and Suicide: The Moderating Role of Anxiety Sensitivity Cognitive Concerns

Extant work on the relationship between obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and suicide is scarce. Moreover no research has examined potential moderators that may increase risk for suicide among those with OCD. The current study examined the moderating role of anxiety sensitivity (AS) cognitive concerns. The cognitive concerns subscale of AS, which reflects fears of cognitive dyscontrol, has been found to be associated with the obsessions dimension of OCD and increased suicidality in a number of populations. The sample included 80 patients (3.8 % with a primary OCD diagnosis) recruited from the community to participate in a larger clinical trial investigating the effects of an AS intervention on suicide. Results indicated the obsessive dimension of OCD was associated with increased suicidality. Additionally, AS cognitive concerns moderated the relationship between these variables. Future research should examine the relationships between these constructs prospectively. Results of this investigation highlight the importance of assessing suicidal risk as part of a comprehensive OCD assessment.