Family accommodation in obsessive-compulsive disorder.

OBJECTIVE

Family accommodation of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder, i.e., participation in symptoms and modification of personal and family routines, was assessed in relation to family stress, functioning, and attitudes toward the patient.

METHOD

Primary caretakers for 34 patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder were interviewed to assess the nature and frequency of accommodating behaviors. The caretakers also completed several measures of family functioning.

RESULTS

Of the 34 spouses or parents, 30 (88.2%) reported accommodating the patient. Family accommodation correlated with poor family functioning, rejecting attitudes toward the patient, and several types of family stress.

CONCLUSIONS

Family accommodation of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder was associated with global family dysfunction and stress. This study suggests that families' efforts to accommodate patients may be intended to reduce patient anxiety or anger directed at relatives.