Obsessive Compulsive Disorder And Its Impact On Families
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder in which individuals will have recurring, unwanted thoughts, ideas or sensation which are all seen to be obsessions which make them feel driven to do something respectively which is compulsions. Often the person carries out the behaviours to get rid of the obsessive thoughts, but this is seen to only provide a short-term fix. By not doing the obsessive rituals this can cause great anxiety and distress Individuals with OCD know their obsessions are not true however they have a hard time keeping their focus off the obsessions or stopping the compulsive actions. Statistics suggest that 1.2 percent of the UK have OCD and among adults, women have it slightly more than men who are affected. OCD affects between 1% and 3% of the general youth population before adulthood Zohar, A. H. (1999). Furthermore, OCD often begins in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood but the average age symptoms appear at 19 years old. Contrary to previous suggestions it is placed that the onset of OCD starts at early adulthood, but most individuals have onset during childhood.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and The Impact on Relationships
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is often associated with difficulties in interpersonal relationships. The greatest impairment in social functioning is found when the level of OCD symptoms is most severe, but even subclinical OCD symptoms are associated with some impairment in social functioning. Relationships OCD (ROCD) is a subtype of OCD in which a sufferer constantly questions their relationship with their partner. Examples of what ROCD sound likes are do I really love my partner? Or is this the right person for me? Does that mean we should break up? These thoughts may become a strong obsession that you look for that is evidence of incompatibility in everything your partner may do. The understanding from this is that ROCD has effect on the impact on relationship for people who have OCD, this is because individual’s may have certain thoughts about their romantic relationship with their partners where they may start to question everything, this then may become obsession of their thoughts and behaviour.
Individuals who suffer with OCD may begin to feel like a burden within their relationships whether that is with their partner, family or friends. There needs to repeat behaviours are never intentional, but they sometimes are unable to stop it, this then can make individuals become isolated in their obsession. However, they are very much aware of the negative effect it can have on their relationship with their partner. With OCD people may repeatedly think about negative things happening in the relationship with their partner. The burden of carrying out these rituals can sometimes begin to affect your partner due to them not really understanding OCD. Some individuals with OCD experience tense fears of something terrible happening to themselves or others, so for them it is very important that they feel frequently being reassurance.
Previous studies have looked at how relatives of people with OCD experience burdens caused by the illness and to understand how relatives cope. Twenty-two relatives of patients with OCD were interviewed. They were asked questions to explore the everyday life and changes that occurred during the course of the illness. The study investigated subjective burden and coping strategies of relatives of OCD patients. Finding from the study revealed that family members of patients with OCD can sometimes be like the patients themselves which sometimes comes from the consequence of the illness.
On the one hand some relatives described their difficulties in classifying the compulsive behaviour and coping with regulation of their everyday life that was caused from the patients OCD. With the uncertainty that the relatives had troubles recognising the patient’s behaviour it was also suggested the same way for other groups of studies as well. Relatives alternated between illness-related and person related attributions because they were hesitant whether the patient’s behaviour was result from the illness or the patient’s personality. Resulting from this it has been recommended by several researchers the importance of support group involvements for both the patients and family members. On the other hand, the study discovered the difference between the coping strategies that was used by spouses and parents. Although there was a different shift of roles in relationships with the individual’s affected. From the results parents reported feelings of guilt towards the patient’s illness due to fact they were responsible for their wellbeing in all aspects of their life, whereas the partners reported at first how it was difficult to come to terms with the illness and reported doubts about continuing the relationship.
From evaluating this study there was some limitations but the finding has significant implications for further research. It is suggested that family members of patients with OCD should be involved in the treatment process such as group therapies which will help the needs for both the patients and family. Another aspect is educating the partner about the illness and the burdens that are connected with OCD. It is very important for your partner to be informed on OCD as they will be able to recognise the signs and symptoms also because this way it is easier for your partner to be supportive and understanding towards your partner. Communication is key as it important that your partner understand the difference between the behavioural symptoms of OCD within their partner. Furthermore, encouraging your partner to seek professional health and offering to be involved in their treatment. This will help you as you will know the best ways to modify your involvement so that the treatment will still be effective as possible, however professional will encourage you to still live your own life and do things you enjoy as well as encouraging your partner to do the same. It is key to be patient with your partner but also to not have non-judgemental attitude this will help and support your partner to focus on their efforts on recovery and not worry how you will be reacting. This can also help the impact of the relationship with your partner and will help with the fears and thoughts your partner may have had about the relationship.
A recommendation for spouses who are supporting their partner with OCD is to educate themselves on what OCD is firstly, secondly going to support groups where you can interact with other people who also support their spouse with OCD, this can be very helpful as you can learn other ways or techniques of how other people are might be coping with it. Another recommendation is going to group therapy with your partner or even with family members.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Impact on Children
Current estimates suggest that one in 100 children has OCD. Children who have obsessive compulsive disorder are plagued with unwanted thoughts, images or impulses that can be very difficult for them to suppress, this can cause them great deal of stress and worry. These are obsessions. For children to ease the anxiety caused by their obsessive thoughts they may perform repetitive actions which are compulsions. For example, a child with OCD might have to line up things, touch things in certain order when leaving a room or wash their hands repeatedly.
For children they might be able to deal with their behaviours and thoughts at home but at school teachers might find it difficult to help or understand. Furthermore, for some children who are struggling with OCD, they will find functioning in school can be difficult but there are different aspects that can help children but also give a better understanding for teachers and other children who does not suffer with OCD.
Seating arrangements, more time on test, private testing room and laptop for writing all these things can help make it easier for a child to cope with their OCD at schools but it will also help the teacher understand what best suits the child. It will also give insight on how to be more supportive.
Children who suffer with OCD may often be bullied because of their symptoms because it has been suggested that children feel very uncomfortable about their OCD knowing people can see what they’re doing. A recommendation to help children not feel like this is to educate the whole class so that the peers are informed about OCD, by doing this it can help and inspire surprising amount of support from other children. Another recommendation is for teachers to do buddy systems where child will sit with someone and they will help them take notes, keep them on track with the work but also a great friendship may be formed as well.
Statistics suggest that compared to people without OCD, people who had the condition were 40% to 65% less likely to pass their education courses in their middle teens. Children who suffer with OCD, it can have an effect on their education. Research has suggested that children with OCD typically average above to average intellect levels but then occasionally they are unable to learn the same way as others for the reason that most of their focus is regularly on their obsessions or compulsions. Nevertheless, reliant on how severe the symptoms are, some children find it problematic to learn and for others it can every so often be impossible to concentrate and complete school work. Granting that they do want to pay attention or contribute in discussion or group work also to complete their homework, some children will feel obligated to respond to their obsessions or desires.
Children who have OCD may start to fall behind and notice a drop in their grades, if academic performances start to drop dramatically it can come impossible for individual’s to be able to catch up and learn, however if they are having treatment it is possible to help children manage the symptoms. It is very important for the children parents and teachers to take OCD seriously and work together to enable the best support for the children education.
References
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