The daily functioning and quality of life of adults with obsessive compulsive disorder: a qualitative inquiry
Year: 2017
Type: dissertation
Abstract: ENGLISH SUMMARY: Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a highly debilitating psychiatric condition characterized by recurrent intrusive thoughts and images (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviours aimed at reducing the distress associated with the obsessions. In the absence of treatment, OCD substantially influences the individuals daily functioning (sleep, productivity, leisure, socialising), and quality of life (QOL) (family, friendships and relationships, academics and work, self-esteem). Current literature reports mainly on quantitative findings regarding the influence of OCD on an individual‘s daily functioning and QOL. Consequently, the lack of in-depth knowledge on the influence of OCD on day-to-day functioning and QOL from the perspectives of patients themselves limits our understanding of this disorder. The present study aimed to qualitatively explore the experiences of adults (18 years and older) diagnosed with OCD within South Africa with a focus on the impact of OCD on their daily functioning and QOL. Twenty individuals with a primary diagnosis of OCD were selected to take part in face-to-face and telephonic semi-structured interviews. All participants gave written informed consent, and were assured of confidentially and anonymity. Interviews were audio-recorded with the permission of the participants, and transcribed verbatim. Thereafter, the transcripts were entered into a qualitative software programme and thematically analysed. Overall, six main themes and 14 sub-themes were identified, and interpreted through the lens of the Ecological Systems Theory (EST). Thematic analysis unearthed participants‘ experiences of OCD. More specifically, at the level of the microsystem, awareness of the disorder and its impact on cognitive processes, sleep, daily routine, leisure and socializing was described. At the level of the mesosystem, social support (and absence of support) received from family, friends and colleagues were considered important. Here participants also described the extent to which OCD influences family functioning. At the level of the exosystem, the impact of OCD on work and academic attendance and performance was salient. At the level of the macrosystem, the use of healthcare services was described. Finally, at the level of the chronosystem participants elaborated on the experience of OCD over time and the use of several strategies that allowed them to cope with, manage and accept their condition. The findings of this study demonstrated that participants experienced poor QOL and functioning in several domains of their lives. These findings are amongst the first to explore OCD qualitatively in a South African sample. Findings may inform practice by providing clinicians with the information necessary to adjust their treatment strategies and to tailor to the needs of the individual. Furthermore, these findings provide clinicians, patients and their families and researchers with a better understanding and greater insight into OCD. Future research should include the perspectives of family members, friends and healthcare professionals in order to capture the impact of the disorder on all those involved.
Author: Kirsten Celeste Kohler
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2603735606