Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder’s Impact on Partner Relationships: A Qualitative Study

Walseth, Liv Tveit; Haaland, Vegard Øksendal; Launes, Gunvor; Himle, Joseph A.; Håland, Åshild Tellefsen

doi:10.1080/08975353.2017.1291239

Cited by 10 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…externalised behaviour such as checking or washing, were key to recognition of the disorder [ 42 ]. However, it has been shown that family members themselves often experience marked distress when observing compulsions associated with OCD [ 16 ]. Interactions with significant others in the context of OCD was not necessarily perceived as positive though.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Interactions with significant others in the context of OCD was not necessarily perceived as positive though. For example, in their study of individuals living with OCD and their partners in Norway, Walseth et al found that patients often reported feeling monitored and surveillanced by their partners [ 16 ]. This seems to be an important area for therapeutic focus, to eliminate potentially persecutory actions by family members towards those with OCD, and to also help mitigate the frustration and disconnect individuals with OCD feel with family members who seemingly do not understand them or their OCD [ 17 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This seems to be an important area for therapeutic focus, to eliminate potentially persecutory actions by family members towards those with OCD, and to also help mitigate the frustration and disconnect individuals with OCD feel with family members who seemingly do not understand them or their OCD [ 17 ]. Failure to address this may lead to avoidance of interaction by those with OCD and their partners and lead to performing behaviours in secrecy, and increasing what Walseth et al [ 16 ] refer to as a ‘mental distance’.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Qualitative studies offer a way in which these discrepancies may potentially be addressed, providing additional insights into how individuals experience disruptions in the various domains of functioning due to OCD. Improvements in understanding may ultimately lead to better management of these patients [ 10 – 16 ]. For example, some insights into the experiences of OCD are seen in a qualitative study from India [ 17 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): a South African narrative

Köhler

Coetzee

Löchner

2018

Int J Ment Health Syst

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BackgroundObsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a highly prevalent and debilitating psychiatric disorder known to interfere with several life domains. Yet little is known about the subjective experiences of living with OCD amongst South Africans and more so, the ways in which it impacts daily functioning and quality of life (QOL).MethodsThe aim of this study was to explore daily functioning and QOL among South African adults living with OCD. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 adults with a primary diagnosis of OCD. We used ATLAS.ti v7 to analyse the data, thematically. The study was conducted at the SU/UCT MRC Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders in South Africa.ResultsThree key themes were identified namely, (1) realisation of OCD, (2) disruptions to daily life and (3) managing the disruptions to daily life. Participants recounted their earliest recollections of OCD, the instances when they recognised something was wrong and ways in which they came to terms with their OCD. Disruptions to daily life included poor sleep quality, inability to enjoy leisure activities which impacted on socialisation and impairment in school/work performance. Perceived social support from family members, friends and colleagues were invaluable to helping participants manage these disruptions. Further, strategies such as self-talk, diary-keeping and humour helped them cope.ConclusionWhile some individuals with OCD have found ways to cope with and accept having OCD, all participants perceived their QOL to be significantly reduced and their functioning impaired due to the condition, on multiple levels. The importance of acceptance in OCD ties in with research on the potential value of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which could form an adjunct to more conventional techniques such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy. The themes emanating from this study can be used to help clinicians better understand what treatment works best for patients with OCD—and whether this treatment be focused on the individual or together with close members of their microsystem, such as spouses/partners. Further these findings may potentially help to improve access, affordability and the quality of life of South Africans living with OCD from various income backgrounds.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): a South African narrative

Köhler

Coetzee

Löchner

2018

Int J Ment Health Syst

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“…For instance, avoidance of discussing cancer‐related relationship issues was associated with reduced intimacy in couples in which one partner has cancer (Manne, Badr, Zaider, Nelson, & Kissane, ). Moreover, relationships in which partners accommodate OCD symptoms by engaging in rituals and providing reassurance are also characterized by low levels of intimacy (Walseth, Haaland, Launes, Himle, & Håland, ). Despite these straightforward findings, the association of accommodation with intimacy may be dependent on the severity of symptoms that are accommodated.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Daily Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Accommodation and Relationship Functioning in Military Couples

Campbell

Renshaw

2018

Family Process

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Romantic partners' accommodation of trauma survivors' posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (e.g., taking on tasks, survivors avoid participating in social withdrawal) is associated with lower relationship satisfaction for both partners and survivors. Little is known about associations of partner accommodation with other aspects of relationship functioning, like intimacy. Sixty-four male military veterans with at least subclinical PTSD and their partners participated in a 2-week daily diary study. Veterans completed nightly measures of PTSD symptoms, while female partners completed nightly measures of accommodating behaviors performed that day. Both partners reported feelings of intimacy each night. Multilevel models revealed that accommodation was significantly, negatively associated with feelings of intimacy, with stronger effects for partners (t = -8.70) than for veterans (t = -5.40), and stronger effects when veterans had lower (t = -7.43) rather than higher (t = -5.20) levels of daily PTSD symptoms. Therapists should consider accommodating behaviors as a potential impediment to relationship intimacy, particularly when veterans have less severe symptoms of PTSD. Accommodating behaviors are an ideal treatment target in behavioral couple therapies.

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