An examination of time perception, time perspective, and hyperfocusing in obsessive-compulsive disorder

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare time perception, time production, time perspective, and hyperfocus levels in individuals diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with those of a healthy control group, and to examine the relationships between these variables. This study is one of the first systematic investigations to jointly evaluate time perception distortions and hyperfocus within OCD symptomatology. Materials and Methods: The study included individuals diagnosed with OCD and age- and sex-matched healthy control participants. Time perception was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS); time production was measured through Absolute Error (AE) and Relative Error (RE); time perspective was evaluated with the Time Perspective Inventory; hyperfocus was assessed with the Hyperfocus Scale; and impulsivity was measured using the short form of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale. The collected data were compared between groups, and correlation analyses were conducted to examine relationships between the variables. Results: As a result of this study, the subjective time perception scores of the OCD group were found to be significantly different from those of the control group. In the time production task, the MH and BH values of the OCD group were significantly higher compared to the control group. Significant correlations were observed between VAS scores and MH and BH values in both groups. A significant positive correlation was found between OCD severity and excessive focusing levels. In the time perspective scale subdimensions, the OCD group had higher scores in past negative and present fatalistic dimensions, while scoring lower in past positive, future, and balanced time perspective deviation compared to the control group. Conclusion: In conclusion, individuals with OCD exhibit marked impairments in time perception and attentional processes. Distortions in time perception may prolong compulsive behaviors, while hyperfocus may intensify concentration on obsessive content. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the cognitive mechanisms underlying OCD and offer important clinical implications for the personalization of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Keywords: Hyperfocus, Impulsivity, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Time Perception, Time Perspective