Each case of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), including caring circumstances, is different. While one family of three may be supporting a child with mild diagnosed OCD, another family of six may be supporting a parent with severe undiagnosed OCD. Caregivers should keep in mind that different circumstances will present with different strengths and limitations.
Concerns of Caregivers of People with OCD
- OCD is sometimes misunderstood, and so caregivers may fear the prejudices of others.
- Caregivers struggle to see their loved ones experience unpleasant symptoms.
- Caregivers are often affected by the symptoms themselves. For example, someone with OCD may delay a family outing for an hour when they perform a ritual. This may be distressing for everyone involved, including the person with OCD, who is usually well aware of the senselessness of their actions.
- There is a recognized lack of awareness among health professionals and specialist treatment is not always available. It can be many years before a diagnosis is made, and in addition, people with OCD may not want to seek treatment.
Tips for Helping Someone with OCD
- Learning about OCD – this is important if the caregiver is to understand how the illness affects people. Information gathered will also be useful for some people with OCD, and so it’s important that this is accessible to them.
- Communicating positively – harsh criticisms are not helpful and will only escalate problems. Caregivers should keep in mind that the person with OCD is not trying to cause distress.
- Seeking carer support – some caregivers are comfortable talking to friends about their situations. There are also some support groups for caregivers of OCD. This is easier said than done for those with commitments and/or those who are anxious about sharing their feelings. There are also some support groups and resources available online.
- Recognizing the symptoms – this is particularly useful in the case of people with OCD who have had a reduction in symptoms. If caregivers keep an eye out for signs of relapse, it can be addressed sooner rather than later.
- Not participating in rituals or reassurance – this is also easier said than done, and in some cases caregivers may have been a part of rituals for a while. In cases where the person with OCD is attending therapy, it sometimes helpful for the caregiver to attend a session to discuss reducing their participation in rituals and/or giving reassurance.
- Supporting the treatment – OCD is often treated with therapy, such as exposure and response prevention. This is hard work for the person with OCD and changes are likely to be gradual. Knowing they are supported is encouraging, and some will appreciate a caregiver attending appointments with them.
- Having personal time – caregivers need to regular take time out for themselves, preferably outside the household.
For more information, including a list of OCD resources, visit the Awareness Foundation for OCD and Related Disorders website.
Sources
Obsessive-compulsive disorder – a study into the effect on families and carers of people with OCD, OCD Action, published: November 2004, author: Snelling, C.
What happens when someone you love has OCD?, Centre for Addictions and Mental Health website, accessed: 23rd August 2008, no author specified.
How family members can help someone with OCD, HealthyPlace.com, accessed: 23rd August 2008, no author specified.
