Coping in Caregivers of Obsessive–Compulsive Disorders

Background: Obsessive Compulsive disorder (OCD) is potentially a disabling disorder not only for the patients, but also for their family members, generating an additional burden on caregivers. Burden of care on caregivers may impact their family dynamics and affect the course of the illness. This perception of burden may largely depend on the coping strategies used by the caregivers. Studies have demonstrated that coping varies with socio-demographic variables but there is a dearth of research on coping strategies used by caregivers of OCD in India. Aims: To study coping in caregivers of OCD and its association with socio-demographic variables of caregivers and clinical variables of the illness. Method: Sixty seven caregivers of OCD were assessed on Cope Inventory. Association of experience of coping with socio-demographic variables of caregivers as well as patients and clinical variables of patients was studied. Result and Conclusions: Adaptive coping strategies like “Positive reinterpretation and Growth” and “Active Coping” were used more by males; student, clerical/ shop owner/ farmer; and caregivers of patients with OCD, with mixed obsessional thoughts and acts. Maladaptive coping strategies like “Focus on Venting of Emotions” was used more by caregivers of patients with severe illness. “Acceptance” was used more by young caregivers, spouses and caregivers of patients who received adequate treatment for last 3 months. Considering, adaptive coping efforts may provide protection from stressor of having a family member with OCD, there is an equal need to focus on caregivers along with patients. Training caregivers to use adaptive coping strategies, family interventions, psycho-educating targeted caregivers may lower the burden of illness and help caregivers to appraise the caregiving more favorably rather than taxing.