Abstract:

Aims: Obsessive beliefs and thought control are often thought to be associated with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. However, the relationship with anxiety disorders has recently been investigated in the literature. In this study, Obsessive Beliefs and Thought Control levels in patients diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder were investigated. It is aimed to contribute to the literature on the cognitive aspects of anxiety disorders. Material and Method: According to DSM 5 diagnostic criteria, 71 patients diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder, 63 patients diagnosed with Panic Disorder and 63 healthy controls were included in the study. The participants were applied the Thought Control Questionnaire and Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire. In addition, Beck Anxiety Scale was applied to patients diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Panic Agoraphobia Scale was applied to patients diagnosed with Panic Disorder. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between the groups in Distraction (F=11.383; p=<0.01; η2=0.105), Social Control (F=9.517; p=<0.01; η2=0.089), Worry ( F=5.589; p=0.004; η2=0.054), Self-Punishment ( F=4. 879; p=0.009; η2=0.048), Reappraisal ( F=3.916; p=0.021; η2=0.039) sub-dimensions. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in the sub-dimensions of Responsibility/Threat Estimation (F=9.268; p=<0.01; η2=0.087) and Perfectionism/Certainty (F=18.557; p=<0.01; η2=0.161), but there was no statistically significant difference in the subdimension Importance/control of thoughts ( F=0.300; p=0.741; η2=0.003). Conclusion: In our study, Obsessive Beliefs and Thought Control levels of patients with Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder were higher than healthy controls. These dysfunctional thoughts may be a risk factor in the development of anxiety disorders. Research on the aetiology of anxiety disorders will contribute to the literature.

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