Sexual Arousal in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder With and Without Contamination/Washing Symptoms: A Moderating Role of Disgust Sensitivity

Different findings would indicate that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a common psychiatric condition, might significantly impair intimate relationships and sexual well-being. The aim of the present study was to ascertain whether OCD outpatients with contamination/washing symptoms experience a lower sexual arousal than those experiencing other symptoms. In addition, we explored whether a higher disgust propensity/sensitivity might moderate the relation between contamination/washing symptoms and impaired sexual arousal. A total of 72 outpatients (27 with contamination/washing symptoms and 45 with other obsessive-compulsive symptoms) were selected for this study and assessed by a battery of specific rating scales. The results highlighted how OCD patients with contamination/washing symptoms and higher disgust sensitivity showed an increased propensity to inhibition due to threat of sexual performance failure and consequences. It may be speculated that the disgust sensitivity may be a mechanism involved in the impairment of this well-being domain. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the sexual wellbeing should be evaluated during routine clinical evaluation of OCD patients.