Psychodynamic evaluation of individuals with high and low levels of childhood trauma in patients with obsessive compulsive disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is defined as a mental disorder characterized by obsessions and/or compulsions. People who have been through a lot of trauma as children are more likely to develop obsessive-compulsive symptoms in the future. Although there are epidemiological researches showing a link between childhood trauma and OCD, there is a lack of literature focusing on trauma from a psychodynamic perspective. The purpose of this study is to investigate the childhood trauma levels of OCD patients, to examine its relationship with depression, to discuss which personality organization level the trauma subtypes reflect in these patients and its effect on sociodemographic differences. The sample composed of 60 patients aged 18-65 who were diagnosed with OCD in the Özel Terapi Tıp Merkezi and continued their treatment. Participants received an Informed Consent Form, a Sociodemographic Information Form, The Childhood Trauma Scale (CTQ), The Maudsley Obsessive Compulsive Questionnaire (MOKSL), The Inventory of Personality Organizations (IPO), and The Beck Depression Scale (BDI). Analyses were performed using the IBM SPSS program. No significant sociodemographic relationships were found between childhood trauma levels (CTS), the levels of its sub- dimensions, and OCD, but only a negative association was identified among emotional neglect and OCD. The levels of CTS, sub-dimensions and OCD levels were examined, and no relationship was identified between the correlations. Primitive defense, truth assessment and identity diffusion were not significantly related to CTS, levels of abuse and neglect and OCD, but only a marginal association was identified among sexual abuse and primitive defense. Patients with OCD who experienced a lot of childhood trauma were identified to have higher levels of depression. As emotional abuse from CT subgroups increased, depression levels increased. There was a strong link between the total MOKSL and KOREN subgroups (primitive defences, reality testing, and identity diffusion). In stepwise linear regression analysis, the subscales of KOREN, MOCL and BDI were included in the analysis, and MOKSL and BDI were included in the model obtained (F=6.213, p=0.004). The model explains 15% of the variance. The results obtained from the study were discussed in line with the existing literature. Finally, the limitations and recommendations of the research are stated. KEYWORDS: Childhood Traumas, Kernberg Personality Organization, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Primitive Defenses, Psychodynamics, Identity Diffusion, Reality Testing