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Patient and family factors associated with family accommodation in obsessive–compulsive disorder
Author(s) -
Gomes Juliana Braga,
Van Noppen Barbara,
Pato Michele,
Braga Daniela Tusi,
Meyer Elisabeth,
Bortoncello Cristiane Flôres,
Cordioli Aristides Volpato
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
psychiatry and clinical neurosciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.609
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1440-1819
pISSN - 1323-1316
DOI - 10.1111/pcn.12172
Subject(s) - spouse , psychology , clinical psychology , obsessive compulsive , confounding , psychological intervention , dysfunctional family , psychiatry , family therapy , medicine , sociology , anthropology
Aim Obsessive–compulsive disorder ( OCD ) impacts family functioning as family members modify their personal and family routines, participate in rituals, and provide reassurance. These behaviors have been identified as family accommodation ( FA ), a phenomenon that, if ignored, may facilitate OCD symptoms and lead to poorer prognosis. Because FA has been recognized as a predictor of treatment outcome, we examined the prevalence of FA and identified patient and family sociodemographic and clinical variables associated with FA in an outpatient sample. Methods The study comprised 228 subjects, namely, 114 patients with OCD and 114 family members, assessed before the patients entered a 12‐session cognitive behavioral group therapy program. A multivariate linear regression model was used to control for confounding factors and to evaluate variables independently associated with FA . FA was evaluated using the Family Accommodation Scale for Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder – Interviewer Rated.Results FA was found to be highly prevalent among family members. Two patient factors positively associated with FA were OCD severity as measured by the Clinical Global Impressions Scale and higher scores on the Obsessions dimension of the Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory – Revised. Family members' characteristics that were positively associated with FA were higher scores on the Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory – Revised hoarding subscale and being the patient's spouse. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the early identification of patients and family members who could benefit from interventions aimed at reducing FA could improve treatment outcomes.