Previous research has shown that vulnerable self‐themes and feared self‐perceptions may play an important role in the development and maintenance of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). In particular, the recently validated Multidimensional Version of the Fear‐of‐Self Questionnaire (FSQ‐MV) has shown strong relationships with OCD symptoms independent of cognitive constructs and negative mood in non‐clinical samples. The current study aimed to further evaluate the validity and reliability of a Persian version of the FSQ‐MV in OCD patients (N = 300), as well as non‐clinical individuals (N = 300). Participants completed a set of scales evaluating feared self‐perceptions and OCD‐related symptoms/conditions. The results showed that the Persian version of the FSQ‐MV replicated the three‐factor structure of the original scale in non‐clinical and OCD patients. The FSQ‐MV and its subscales had excellent reliability. Additionally, the FSQ‐MV was significantly associated with related cognitive constructs, as well as OCD symptoms and their severity, in both samples. The feared self, especially the corrupted feared self, was a significant unique predictor of OC symptomology, especially for repugnant obsessions, and OCD severity. The study confirmed the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the FSQ‐MV. Moreover, cognitive conceptualizations may benefit from a consideration of the feared self in OCD, which may play an important role in its development, maintenance and severity.

Desire thinking is an emerging construct in the addictive behaviours literature. No research, to date, has investigated its contribution to problematic alcohol use and nicotine dependence in patient samples when accounting for established predictors of addictive behaviours. The present study sought to clarify, in patient samples, the relative contribution of desire thinking in the associations between negative affect, impulsivity and thought suppression on the one hand and craving, problematic alcohol use and nicotine dependence on the other. To achieve this goal, two groups of individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) (n = 370; age range = 15–67 years) and nicotine dependence (n = 365; age range = 17–75 years) were selected, and measures of negative affect, impulsivity, thought suppression, craving, desire thinking, problematic alcohol use and nicotine dependence were completed by both groups. Results showed that in both groups, negative affect and thought suppression indirectly affected alcohol and nicotine craving, problematic alcohol use and nicotine dependence through the mediating role of desire thinking. The present study shows the independent role of desire thinking in predicting problematic alcohol use and nicotine dependence in patient samples, indicating its potential relevance for treatment.

One in eight adults in Iran is estimated to have major depressive disorder (MDD) – a leading cause of disability in the country. Many remain undiagnosed, and some receive only partial treatment. An estimated 60% of those with MDD were reported to have received no treatment during the past year. In this paper, we have critically reviewed the current health-care structure in the country along with prevailing patterns of health-care service utilization. We have addressed the role of psychiatrists, general practitioners (GPs), psychologists, and other health-care personnel in the treatment and care of patients with MDD, with an emphasis on the quality of service provision. In addition, the strengths and weaknesses of primary healthcare (PHC), the health insurance system, and inpatient care have been discussed. We have paid attention to the contextual issues such as mental health literacy, stigma, and healthcare inequity where relevant. Finally, practical recommendations have been provided to improve the quality of care for patients with MDD in Iran.