Impact of OCD on Family

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) may be a frightening disease that has impacts on the entire family (Koujalgi, 2015). The disorder can be scary, frustrating and exhausting for all members of the family, friends and care providers. But an essential thing to recall is that while OCD is a chronic illness, it can be treatable, and the patient can overcome. Health care provider, friends, and family play a significant role in the effectiveness of the treatment of people with OCD. But in most of the time family members are not aware of how to appropriately help the affected people. The disorder can be confusing for all individuals involved and can put a strain on family relationships (Koujalgi, 2015). OCD usually result in interfering with the daily functioning of the household, and it can cause hatred and feeling of annoyance. OCD may also lead to marriage and family life by creating emotive and financial restrictions.  This can be difficult mostly in children (Koujalgi, 2015). Young parents that have OCD usually feel as if they are going mad or that they are the only the people who are receiving this feeling. Individuals with OCD are under enormous pressure to complete their rituals; this person usually has difficulty in interacting with others in social situations leading to isolation and loneliness.  They may also have low self-esteem and depression. Relatives living with a patient with OCD can be engaged in enabling their compulsions or permitting the victim to remain in ill (Gellatly, & Molloy, 2014). OCD may also lead to physical effects which can negatively impact the health of the person. Individuals with OCD experience unbelievable pressure as they feel an intense urge to do their rituals and do them properly. However, people with OCD can live with the disorder when the family, healthcare provider and friend should be given practical and emotional support to someone suffering from OCD (Gellatly, & Molloy, 2014).  They should understand what their relative is going through and show the patient love and they should provide information about OCD and how the treatment can help in treating the disease.

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