Living with obsessive‑compulsive disorder (OCD) : a South African narrative
Date
2018
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMC (part of Springer Nature)
Abstract
Background: Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a highly prevalent and debilitating psychiatric disorder known
to interfere with several life domains. Yet little is known about the subjective experiences of living with OCD amongst
South Africans and more so, the ways in which it impacts daily functioning and quality of life (QOL).
Methods: The aim of this study was to explore daily functioning and QOL among South African adults living with
OCD. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 adults with a primary diagnosis of OCD. We used
ATLAS.ti v7 to analyse the data, thematically. The study was conducted at the SU/UCT MRC Unit on Risk and Resilience
in Mental Disorders in South Africa.
Results: Three key themes were identified namely, (1) realisation of OCD, (2) disruptions to daily life and (3) managing
the disruptions to daily life. Participants recounted their earliest recollections of OCD, the instances when they recognised
something was wrong and ways in which they came to terms with their OCD. Disruptions to daily life included
poor sleep quality, inability to enjoy leisure activities which impacted on socialisation and impairment in school/work
performance. Perceived social support from family members, friends and colleagues were invaluable to helping participants
manage these disruptions. Further, strategies such as self-talk, diary-keeping and humour helped them cope.
Conclusion: While some individuals with OCD have found ways to cope with and accept having OCD, all participants
perceived their QOL to be significantly reduced and their functioning impaired due to the condition, on multiple
levels. The importance of acceptance in OCD ties in with research on the potential value of Acceptance and Commitment
Therapy, which could form an adjunct to more conventional techniques such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy.
The themes emanating from this study can be used to help clinicians better understand what treatment works best
for patients with OCD—and whether this treatment be focused on the individual or together with close members of
their microsystem, such as spouses/partners. Further these findings may potentially help to improve access, affordability
and the quality of life of South Africans living with OCD from various income backgrounds.
Description
CITATION: Kohler, K. C., Coetzee, B. J. & Lochner, C. 2018. Living with obsessive‑compulsive disorder (OCD) : a South African narrative. International Journal of Mental Health Systems, 12:73, doi:10.1186/s13033-018-0253-8.
The original publication is available at https://ijmhs.biomedcentral.com
The original publication is available at https://ijmhs.biomedcentral.com
Keywords
Obsessive–compulsive disorder, Thematic Apperception Test, Quality of life
Citation
Kohler, K. C., Coetzee, B. J. & Lochner, C. 2018. Living with obsessive‑compulsive disorder (OCD) : a South African narrative. International Journal of Mental Health Systems, 12:73, doi:10.1186/s13033-018-0253-8