You can be supportive of the person you love who is suffering, but stop supporting the disorder. When the family stops accommodating OCD behavior, the person who suffers from OCD can become more motivated to seek treatment.
Don't scold someone with OCD or tell them to stop performing rituals. They can't comply, and the pressure to stop will only make the behaviors worse. Be as kind and patient as possible. Each sufferer needs to overcome problems at their own pace.
As noted, enabling OCD only serves to reinforce the disorder. It teaches the person that compulsions and rituals are the solutions to their fears or anxiety. This strengthens their belief that they must engage in compulsive behaviors to “feel better.” In turn, this can also make OCD symptoms more severe over time.
Background: People who have an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) tend to manifest a need for excessive control over their partners and other relatives, which then constitutes a principal problem in their relationships. This behaviour probably relates to an unmet need for safety in their childhood.
OCD is often related to control. The fear of losing control can result in behaviors that can disrupt your ability to function normally. If you are experiencing symptoms of OCD or the fear of losing control, reach out to your doctor or mental health professional.
It can be difficult, demanding and exhausting to live with a person who has OCD. Family members and friends may become deeply involved in the person's rituals and may have to assume responsibility and care for many daily activities that the person with OCD is unable to undertake.
Trauma, stress, and abuse all can be a cause of OCD getting worse. OCD causes intense urges to complete a task or perform a ritual. For those who have the condition, obsessions and compulsions can begin to rule their life.
People with OCD can also experience episodes of anger. OCD is a chronic, distressing condition, so feeling angry makes sense. In fact, anger is a common human emotion that everyone experiences. But intense anger, particularly when it turns into aggression, can be distressing for people with OCD and their loved ones.
Research has shown that OCD can significantly affect romantic relationships. For example, one study states that relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder or ROCD symptoms are significantly associated with relationship dissatisfaction and depression over and above common OCD symptoms (Doron et al., 2016).
It's possible to feel bad without it becoming a point of obsession. Regret is something we all feel from time to time. But if you have OCD, you might find that regret is particularly difficult to process. If you need support, consider finding a therapist with experience in treating OCD.
Jill Fenske, M.D. explains in Physician's Weekly, OCD is so often underdiagnosed and undertreated not only because people with OCD are often secretive about their symptoms, but also because “a lack of recognition of OCD symptoms by physicians often leads to a long delay in diagnosis and treatment.”
Reassurance seeking offers temporary relief to people that struggle with OCD, but in the long run makes their OCD much worse. Each time a person gives in, it strengthens the obsessions and makes them come back stronger.
It's what is called “pure-O” OCD, in that there are no observable ritualistic behaviors such as checking or hand washing. The most common horrific thought is that of impulsively harming someone. Sufferers may be afraid that they will stab or shoot someone, commit suicide, or molest a child.
OCD can have a profound effect on a person's life
The person may avoid anything that might trigger their obsessive fears. OCD can make it difficult for people to perform everyday activities like eating, drinking, shopping or reading. Some people may become housebound.
Because symptoms usually worsen with age, people may have difficulty remembering when OCD began, but can sometimes recall when they first noticed that the symptoms were disrupting their lives. As you may already know, the symptoms of OCD include the following: Unwanted or upsetting doubts.
If you have OCD, you can undoubtedly live a normal and productive life. Like any chronic illness, managing your OCD requires a focus on day-to-day coping rather than on an ultimate cure.
What causes anger in OCD patients? Research³ shows that about half of OCD patients experience anger attacks. Factors such as frustrations about their inability to manage their compulsive habits trigger the outbursts. They are also caused by medication side effects and interruptions of their compulsive rituals.
repeating words in their head. thinking "neutralising" thoughts to counter the obsessive thoughts. avoiding places and situations that could trigger obsessive thoughts.
What causes OCD? Experts aren't sure of the exact cause of OCD. Genetics, brain abnormalities, and the environment are thought to play a role. It often starts in the teens or early adulthood.