LSMU scientists: Obsessive-compulsive disorder makes recovery from ischaemic heart disease more challenging

A study conducted by the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) researchers has revealed new insights into the relationship between the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder and the executive functioning of individuals with coronary artery disease.

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is described as a chronic dysfunctional pattern of rigid perfectionism and need for control. It is prevalent in 8 % of individuals with cardiovascular diseases. This personality disorder has a distinct cognitive profile characterised by inflexible thinking and mental fatigue. These traits can negatively affect involvement in rehabilitation process and compliance with the treatment plan. Therefore, individuals with cardiovascular diseases and important obsessive-compulsive personality disorder traits can be more prone to recurrent cardiovascular events.

A group of researchers from the LSMU Institute of Neuroscience, Laboratory of Behavioural Medicine – Agnė Stanytė, Julija Gečaite-Stončienė, Aurelija Podlipskytė, Julius Neverauskas, Alicja Juškienė, Nijolė Kažukauskienė, Julius Burkauskas – together with the co-author Professor Naomi A. Fineberg from the University of Hertfordshire, UK – conducted a study, which investigated the impact of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder on executive functions in individuals with coronary artery disease undergoing rehabilitation.

The study involved 78 individuals with coronary heart disease that participated in a rehabilitation programme due to an episode of unstable angina or myocardial infarction. The study evaluated obsessive-compulsive personality traits and cognitive functions, such as cognitive flexibility and executive planning.

The results of the study revealed that among individuals with coronary artery disease undergoing rehabilitation, individuals with significant obsessive-compulsive personality disorder traits had greater cognitive inflexibility compared to individuals without significant features of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. The study also found significant associations between slower planning and specific traits of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, such as hoarding, need for control, and rigidity. These associations were significant even after controlling for gender and age.

The results of the study reflect that individuals with coronary artery disease and significant obsessive-compulsive personality disorder traits may experience more difficulties in the rehabilitation process. Individuals with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder tend to be more rigid and can find it difficult to change behaviour, which is an important part of the rehabilitation process. Likewise, individuals with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder traits, such as hoarding, need for control, or rigidity may find it more difficult to engage successfully in the rehabilitation process due to the complicated decision-making process and likely resulting mental fatigue.

This study is one of the first to examine the impact of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder on executive functioning in individuals with coronary artery disease undergoing rehabilitation. The study has been published in the journal Comprehensive Psychiatry. The article can be found HERE.