Obsessive–compulsive disorder places formidable burdens on the affected person's family members, who not only experience the pain of seeing their loved one deteriorate but are frequently called upon to participate in strange behaviors in order to keep the peace. Help for these families has been negligible. The author discusses a psychoeducational support group that attempts to meet the needs of this population. Clinical examples illustrate some of the psychosocial issues that confront these families as they struggle to understand and cope with this devastating disorder.
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