ABSTRACT
Obsessive-compulsive disorders represent a challenge with their effects on the everyday life for family members. The main emphasis of previous research was on the recording of the burden and deficits of this group. The qualitative study on hand aims to describe living with an OCD-patient from the viewpoint of the relatives. It could be shown that the perception of the disorder is formed by the experiences of life. On an experience continuum two poles could be pointed out: on the one hand an orientation in the direction of control and on the other hand the acceptance of unchangeability. In turn these basic orientations form the view on the illness and are connected to special burdens and risks but also resources. The perception of the illness can change over time or due to situative reasons. Subjective relieving changes of the perspectives and possible influences and supports of professional helpers are of special interest for therapists.
Subject(s)
Family , Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder/psychology , Adult , Cost of Illness , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder/therapy , Prejudice , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales , Psychotherapy , Social SupportABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a destructive mental illness that alters the lives of both patients and their relatives. Many investigations have described the coping strategies of relatives of patients with schizophrenia, depression and other psychiatric disorders, but there have been no studies reported about coping strategies and OCD. AIM: The aim of this paper is to report an investigation into experiences of burden in relatives of patients with OCD, and the coping strategies they had developed. METHOD: Narrative interviews with 22 family members of patients with OCD were analysed using a grounded theory approach. FINDINGS: Relatives described different burdens and developed different strategies to cope with these. While parents tried to educate their ill children, spouses focused on the patient's resources. The attempts of family members to cope with patients with OCD included assisting in rituals, opposing the symptoms and supporting patients in dealing with the illness. CONCLUSION: Implications for clinical practice to support these relatives are discussed.
Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , Caregivers/psychology , Family/psychology , Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder/psychology , Social Support , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Parents/psychology , Spouses/psychologyABSTRACT
Patients with mental illness and their relatives experience discrimination and stigmatization in their everyday lives. The stigma of mental illness has been investigated in numerous studies. However, the subjective experiences of patients with OCD and their relatives have not been reported up until now. Narrative interviews with 22 family members of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder were performed as part of a study on the burden and distress among the families of those with mental illness. Stigma experiences were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Different areas of life could be described, where stigmatization is anticipated or concretely experienced by relatives of patients with OCD. Concealing is an important coping strategy for the family members interviewed. Stigmatization can be reduced by handling the illness and the co-operation of patients, their relatives, and the professionals in an unbiased manner.
Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , Attitude to Health , Family/psychology , Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder , Stereotyping , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Cooperative Behavior , Cost of Illness , Female , Germany , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Narration , Nursing Methodology Research , Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder/diagnosis , Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder/psychology , Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder/therapy , Prejudice , Professional-Family Relations , Qualitative Research , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: There are numerous studies on the stigma of mental illness. However, the subjective stigma experiences of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder and their relatives have, so far not been investigated. METHOD: Narrative interviews with 22 family members of patients with OCD were carried out as part of a study on the burden of mental illness on the family. Experience of stigma was analysed as an aspect of subjective burden using a grounded theory approach. RESULTS: Different areas of life could be described, in which stigmatization is anticipated or experienced by family members of patients with OCD. Concealing is a relevant strategy for the members in dealing with the illness. DISCUSSION: Stigmatization can be minimized by impartially handling the illness and cooperation of patients, their relevant others and professionals.
Subject(s)
Caregivers/psychology , Cost of Illness , Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder/psychology , Prejudice , Shame , Stereotyping , Adaptation, Psychological , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Family Relations , Female , Humans , Interview, Psychological , Male , Middle Aged , Professional-Family RelationsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE AND METHOD: The aim of this study was to investigate the coping strategies of relatives of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. 22 narrative interviews were analysed by a Grounded Theory approach. RESULTS: While parents in our investigation often try to educate their ill children, spouses focus on resources of the patient. Children seem to take a parent-role in interaction with the ill father or mother. DISCUSSION: Family members try to support patients in dealing with the illness. Therefore, different strategies to cope with OCD are developed, ranging between assisting in rituals and opposition to the symptoms.
