Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Relationships with Others: A Qualitative Study

OCD is a debilitating mental health disorder known to influence a variety of domains in life. Clients with OCD is suffering from consistent obsessions or compulsions. OCD has core symptoms that often lead to difficulties in interpersonal relationships. The most common issues reported are barriers to maintaining interpersonal relationships. However, few studies have explored interpersonal relationships in OCD. This study aimed to explore the interpersonal relationship experiences of clients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in the Galle area of Sri Lanka. Qualitative method semi-structured interviews were completed with 12 participants who were known to have OCD. The data were thematically analyzed, and the findings were divided into three major themes with their sub-categories. These themes included:1) Interaction with family members with miscommunication and poor emotional bonds with family members.2) Relationship of learning and working with communication problems in the workplace and interpersonal issues in the academic environment.3) Social withdrawal behaviour with hiding symptoms of OCD and poor social relationships. Individuals with OCD have issues with their interpersonal relationships related to family, work, academics, and social behavior in life. Findings may be helpful to develop therapeutic interventions that meet the person's interpersonal relationship needs.