Family perception of the symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder patient and the family accommodation

Background: Family members tend to modify their routine by assisting or participating in the patient's rituals. These behaviors have been identified as family accommodation (FA). Aims: The aim of this study was to describe the relationship between family accommodation of relatives of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) patients and their perceptions about the obsessions and compulsions of the patient. Method: This was a cross-sectional study with family members of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in a Southern Brazilian city. The family perception of the OCD symptoms and their accommodation were assessed through the Family Accommodation Scale for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Interviewer-Rated (FAS-IR). Results: The level of family accommodation was higher in those family members who lived with the patient when compared to those who did not live with them (p = .011). The obsessions associated with higher levels of family accommodation were: contamination (p<.001), hoarding/saving (p=.001), symmetry/exactness (p=.001), religious (p=.019), and diverse (p=.003). Regarding compulsions, the perception of all symptoms was associated with higher levels of family accommodation (p<.05). Conclusion: The family accommodation is present in family members of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder patients, regardless of the type of obsessive/compulsive symptom perceived.

Automated summary

Family accommodation behaviors are common among family members of OCD patients, especially those living with the patient. Different types of obsessions can lead to varying levels of family accommodation, while the perception of all compulsive symptoms is associated with increased levels of family accommodation.