What do you do when your sister has OCD?

Siblings can cope with their brother’s or sister’s OCD diagnosis better if they understand what is going on, feel they have support, and know how they can help. Start a conversation where the sibling can feel safe to share and allowed to feel whatever emotions they are experiencing.

Is it common for siblings to have OCD?

The researchers found that OCD was much more likely to occur if a primary family member (parent, sibling, or offspring) had OCD. They were also more likely to have OCD if an immediate family member had a tic disorder, affective disorder, or anxiety disorder.

Can two siblings have OCD?

A study published in the April 2000 issue of the journal Archives of General Psychiatry shows that OCD occurs much more commonly among relatives of OCD sufferers than relatives of people without OCD. The researchers concluded that they have enough evidence to suggest that OCD is a familial disorder.

How does OCD affect other family members?

Family members and friends may become deeply involved in the person’s rituals and may have to assume responsibility and care for many daily activities that the person with OCD is unable to undertake. This can cause distress and disruption to all members of the family.

What did the sisters do before they were diagnosed with OCD?

Before that, the sisters suffered from extreme anxiety and obsessive habits, including showering for 10 hours using an entire bottle of shampoo and painstakingly disinfecting every inch of their home, going through hundreds of latex gloves and bottles upon bottles of rubbing alcohol. At age 16, they were diagnosed with OCD.

Can siblings cope with a brother or sister with OCD?

Yet, sometimes siblings’ reactions and challenges are overlooked when a family is dealing with the disorder. A bit of awareness, education, and support can go a long way to helping siblings cope better when they have a brother or sister with OCD.

Is OCD a family affair?

There is no question OCD is a family affair. I feel for parents who not only need to help their child with OCD, but care for their other children as well. It’s hard, and we all do the best we can.

What are the other conditions associated with OCD?

Because of the impairment that OCD can have on someone’s life, the disorder has numerous associated conditions. “The rule rather than exception is that a person with OCD has other co-morbid problems going on. Some of the most common ones include depression. Other anxiety conditions can be quite common.