Memory deficits in OCD : the impact of spontaneous organisational memory strategy use and anxiety on memory performance and metamemory.

Research into memory performance in OCD has produced largely inconsistent findings. One potential explanation is that impaired memory performance is secondary to executive dysfunction and metamemory processes, including deficits in using organisational memory strategies, reduced memory confidence, and familiarity (remember/know) judgments of the to be remembered items, as well as the emotional state of anxiety. This explanation was investigated by comparing the performance of an OCD group (n=17) and a nonclinical control group (n=17) in a combined verbal and nonverbal memory recall/recognition task. Findings showed that memory recall and recognition accuracy were comparable between groups. However, the OCD group used less organisational memory strategies for words and had higher memory decay from immediate to delayed recall compared to nonclinical controls. There was no difference for pictures. This effect was enhanced after state anxiety was controlled, indicating that executive system impairments might be more linked to OCD than state anxiety. Memory confidence was significantly lower in the OCD than control group but this difference disappeared after state anxiety was controlled. Overall, these findings suggest that organisational strategy use is deficient and that confidence is reduced in OCD, which impacts memory performance. State anxiety levels had a differential effect on these deficits. Clinical applications of the findings are discussed and careful consideration is given to the limitations