Abstract

The present study explores the relationship between ego-syntonic symptom presentation and functional disability in individuals diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). While OCD is traditionally understood as an ego-dystonic condition—where symptoms are experienced as distressing and incongruent with the self—a subset of patients experience their obsessions and compulsions as ego-syntonic, perceiving them as acceptable or necessary. Such presentations are often linked to poor insight, delayed help-seeking, and underreporting of distress, complicating clinical assessment and intervention. Using a correlational and exploratory research design, the study involved 30 individuals with OCD diagnosed under ICD-10 criteria, examining the degree of ego-syntonicity and its relationship with disability across life domains. The findings aim to highlight the underrecognized disability burden of syntonic OCD and underscore the importance of incorporating both qualitative and functional assessments into clinical practice. The study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of OCD, advocating for personalized treatment strategies that address both symptom congruence and functional impairment.