[Which factors determine how family members experience the obsessive-compulsive disorder of a close relative?]

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.