THE IMPACT OF OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER ON FAMILY RELATIONS: a systematic replication

Abstract

Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions that arise in a way that consumes excessive time for affected individuals, causing functional impairment and significant suffering. Considering that the family has played the role of main caregiver in the current psychosocial project, the present study aimed to investigate the overload of family members of patients previously with OCD, aiming to be a systematic replication of the study by Soares Neto et al. (2011), entitled “Overburden in family members of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder”. For data collection the Family Burden Assessment Scale (FBIS-BR) and a questionnaire that collected sociodemographic data and related to family life were used. Seven family members of subjects with OCD participated in this research, selected by degree of proximity, over 18 years old and without ongoing mental disorders. The research carried out a survey study, with quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Its purpose was to analyze and understand the degree of objective and subjective overload of these family members. As main results high levels of overload were found, especially in the items covered by the subjective dimension of the scale, although the overall objective score was higher. Subscale A (referring to the frequency of performing daily activities) recorded the greatest impact on objective burden; while subscale E (referring to concern for psychiatric patients), compared to all subscales, had the highest mean score. In view of this, it is essential that there is greater support from health services and professionals to families, considering that they have occupied the position of main caregiver.