Obsessive-compulsive symptoms and the family.

A questionnaire study of 98 family members of individuals with obsessive-compulsive symptoms revealed that 60% of the family members were involved to some extent in rituals with the affected family member. Nearly all family members reported at least some degree of interference in their lives. Information was also gathered about the sort of rituals in which members were involved, how they responded to the demands of the affected relative to engage in the rituals, their beliefs and knowledge about compliance, and the degree to which the rituals interfered in their lives. The study highlights the possible need for support, advice, and education for family members of persons with obsessive-compulsive symptoms.