Stuck in A Loop: An Exploratory Study on Metacognition and Neurocognition In Indian Adults With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Abstract

Background: Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)is often associated with significant impairments in metacognitive beliefs and neurocognitive functioning.While most of the studies in these domain are independent their interrelationship remains underexplored. This study examines the association between metacognitive beliefs and neurocognitive functioning in patients diagnosed with OCD. Methods: This exploratory cross sectional study included patients diagnosed with OCD based on ICD criteria. Metacognitions Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30), NIMHANS Neuropsychological Battery and Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive scale (Y-BOCS) were performed to examine relationships. Results: Participants demonstrated increased dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs, particularly in domains related to negative beliefs about uncontrollability and cognitive confidence. Significant associations were observed between maladaptive metacognitive beliefs and impairments in executive functions, attention, and working memory (p < 0.05). Higher OCD severity was associated with poorer neurocognitive performance and greater metacognitive dysfunction. Conclusions: The experience of feeling stuck in the loop in individuals with OCD has clear effect on both metacognition and neurocognition areas and hence would affect their cognitive performance. The findings have implications for pedagogy and research.