Phenomenology of intrusive imagery in obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

Abstract

The study of intrusive mental imagery in anxiety is a growing area of interest. Whilst there is an appreciation of the variation in thematic content (Hirsch & Holmes, 2007), less is understood about the wider phenomenology and function of intrusive imagery across the anxiety disorders. The aim of the review is to adopt a transdiagnostic perspective, and compare and contrast the literature on intrusive imagery in anxiety in terms of the content, prevalence, frequency and characteristics. In addition, a further aim is to present preliminary findings concerning the function of imagery across the spectrum of disorders. The final section of the review summarises the conclusions and suggests areas for future examination.