Abstract

Introduction: New studies have identified the main aspects of Executive Functions (EF) as the working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility and according to the Miyake model, these three criteria have a relationship with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The current research was conducted to investigate the role of EF in OCD. Methodology: Using a convenient sampling method, 17 individuals were selected to be in the experimental group and 19 individuals were selected to be in the control group of this study. The screening was done using a clinical interview based on DSM-5 and Yale-Brown Belief questionnaire to determine the insight level. Then, using an event-related potential device, patients` brain waves were recorded while presenting inhibition measurement tasks (Go/No-Go); having interpreted the waves, obtained data were analyzed using independent t-test statistics and SPSS, version 24, software. Findings: Patients having an OCD of high insight had better performance in total compared to those having moderate insight. Furthermore, having investigated brain waves, in the Go/No-Go task, the latency of the N2 wave in the control group was significantly more compared to the experimental group. Moreover, in P300 (P3) wave, in Go effort, the experimental group had a higher scope than the control group. Conclusion: In this research, the topography of investigated waves of each task had concordance with the topography of neurocognitive dysfunction in OCD and the obtained results supported the hypothesis of EF in OCD. Moreover, the better performance of individuals having OCD with high insight showed the role of insight in this disorder.