Impact of Carer Perceptions of OCD (v1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Impact of Perceptions of OCD on Carers’ Affective and Behavioural Responses
IRAS ID
151223
Contact name
Sian Dallimore
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bath
Research summary
This study aims to explore how perceptions of people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and their carers has an impact on psychological distress and the way in which carers' support someone with OCD.
It is well established that those providing care and support to an adult with OCD experience significant psychological distress. However, there is considerably less research in this area than for carers of individuals with other mental health problems. Research has shown that carers’ perceptions of an individual’s difficulties will have implications for both their emotional response and the way they support that person. Carers are an important resource for people with OCD and including them in treatment can be of great benefit. Therefore, an understanding of how perceptions of OCD are associated with their distress and the way they support the person with OCD will enable further development of effective interventions and allow services to offer valuable support to carers to assist them in their difficult role.
The study involves adults with OCD and a family member or friend who provides practical or emotional support.
For individuals with OCD the study will involve a brief telephone interview with the researcher to confirm OCD diagnosis. They will also be asked to complete questionnaires via email or a secure website to measure OCD symptoms, mood, anxiety, perceptions of OCD and perceived criticism. Carers will be asked to complete questionnaires measuring perception of OCD, experience of caregiving, mood, anxiety, perceived criticism and “accommodation” (participating in rituals, facilitating avoidance or modifying own lifestyle in response to an individual’s OCD).
The study is cross-sectional and participants are not contacted again.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/YH/1079
Date of REC Opinion
15 Jul 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion