Quality of Life in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Patient and Their Relatives

Abstract

Objective :

To study the impact of OCD symptoms to quality of life of OCD patients and relatives

Method :

Descriptive cross-sectional study and in-depth interview was conducted. Participants were patients and their relatives aged 18 years old or above who visited the psychiatric out-patient unit of Ramathibodi Hospital between November 2013 and July 2014. The Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale was used to assess the severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. WHOQOL-BREF-THAI was used to evaluate 4 domains of quality of life. Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression was used to assess depressive symptoms of patients. The constructed questionnaire developed by researchers was used to evaluate the impact of obsessive-compulsive symptoms to patients and relatives.

Result :

Thirty patients and fourteen relatives participated. Correlation between severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms and depressive symptoms and quality of life of the patients was demonstrated (r<-0.54) but not between overall quality of life of relatives, except psychological aspect. From in-depth interview data, compulsive behaviors which need participation of relatives were associated with all aspects of relatives’ quality of life.

Conclusion :

Obsessive-compulsive disorders have impacted various aspects of quality of life in both patients and relatives especially psychological aspect. From this study increased understanding of these impacts was achieved and might be useful data for health professionals in treating and counseling OCD patients.