5 Ways to Help a Loved One Who Has OCD

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be incredibly challenging—not just for those who experience it, but for their loved ones as well. It’s a complex mental health condition that combines obsessions, which are intrusive and unwanted thoughts, with compulsions, which are repetitive behaviors intended to neutralize anxiety. As a loved one, it’s natural to want to help, but it’s also crucial to understand that OCD is not simply a behavioral problem. It’s a neurobiological disorder that requires careful and informed support.

Here are five evidence-based ways to support a loved one with OCD:

1. Educate Yourself About OCD

The first step in helping someone with OCD is to understand what they’re going through. OCD is often misunderstood and misrepresented in popular culture. It’s not just about being neat or organized, and it’s not something a person can simply "snap out of."

OCD is characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that a person feels driven to perform to reduce distress. These rituals can be time-consuming and severely impact their daily life.

Learning about OCD through credible sources such as the International OCD Foundation or reputable mental health websites will give you a clearer picture of what your loved one is experiencing. Understanding the nature of OCD can also reduce frustration and increase your ability to offer effective support.

Insight:

According to Abramowitz and Jacoby (2015), psychoeducation is critical in reducing the stigma associated with OCD and helps both the individual and their loved ones navigate the complexities of the disorder. The more you know, the more empathetic and effective you’ll be in offering support.

2. Avoid Enabling Compulsive Behaviors

When a loved one has OCD, it can be tempting to participate in or accommodate their compulsions in an effort to provide comfort. For example, if they ask for constant reassurance or request that you engage in certain rituals with them, you might comply to reduce their anxiety. While this may offer temporary relief, it reinforces the cycle of OCD over time.

Enabling compulsions doesn’t address the root cause of their anxiety and can actually perpetuate their symptoms. Instead, encourage your loved one to engage in therapeutic approaches that target these behaviors, such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which is a gold-standard treatment for OCD.

Insight:

Research shows that accommodating compulsions can worsen symptoms over time (Capriotti et al., 2015). ERP, which involves gradual exposure to obsessive thoughts without engaging in compulsions, has been demonstrated to reduce both the frequency and severity of OCD symptoms.

3. Encourage Professional Treatment

OCD is a condition that typically requires professional treatment. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), specifically Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), has been shown to be highly effective. In some cases, medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be recommended as part of the treatment plan.

Supporting your loved one by helping them find a qualified therapist who specializes in OCD can make a significant difference in their journey toward recovery. It’s also important to attend therapy sessions if they request your presence. This shows that you’re committed to supporting their mental health journey.

Insight:

According to the American Psychiatric Association (2013), ERP and SSRIs are considered first-line treatments for OCD. Studies have shown that ERP alone can lead to significant symptom reduction in 60–70% of individuals with OCD (Kose et al., 2015).

4. Be Patient and Compassionate

OCD is not a condition that resolves quickly, and setbacks are common during treatment. It’s essential to remain patient and compassionate throughout the process. Avoid placing pressure on your loved one to “get better” on a certain timeline, as this can exacerbate stress and feelings of failure.

Showing empathy and validating their emotions without necessarily validating the irrational fears driving their compulsions can help them feel understood. For example, saying, “I know this is really hard for you, and I’m here to support you,” can go a long way in maintaining trust and open communication.

Insight:

A study by Ferrier and Brewin (2005) found that social support and compassionate responses from loved ones can significantly improve the therapeutic outcomes for individuals with OCD, enhancing their motivation to engage in treatment and reducing feelings of isolation.

5. Take Care of Yourself

Supporting a loved one with OCD can be emotionally and physically exhausting. It’s vital to prioritize your own well-being in order to maintain a healthy relationship and continue offering support. This could mean seeking your own therapy, joining a support group for families of individuals with OCD, or engaging in self-care activities that replenish your energy.

By taking care of your mental and emotional health, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges of supporting someone with OCD. It’s not selfish to set boundaries or take breaks when needed; in fact, it’s necessary for maintaining a supportive, sustainable relationship.

Insight:

Research by Kirby et al. (2017) suggests that caregiver burden is common among those supporting individuals with OCD, and self-care practices, along with external support, can help mitigate the emotional toll.

Conclusion

Helping a loved one with OCD can feel overwhelming, but your support can make a significant difference in their recovery journey. By educating yourself, avoiding enabling compulsions, encouraging professional treatment, being compassionate, and taking care of your own well-being, you can provide the kind of support that promotes healing rather than exacerbating symptoms.

Citations:

1. Abramowitz, J. S., & Jacoby, R. J. (2015). The Family's Role in OCD Treatment: Supporting Your Loved One's Recovery. International OCD Foundation.

2. Capriotti, M. R., Himle, M. B., et al. (2015). Family Accommodation in OCD: Clinical Considerations and Research Findings. Journal of Anxiety Disorders.

3. Kose, S., Cetin, M., et al. (2015). Effectiveness of Exposure and Response Prevention in the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Psychiatric Clinics of North America.

4. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).

5. Ferrier, S., & Brewin, C. R. (2005). The Impact of Social Support on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Anxiety Disorders.

6. Kirby, J. N., et al. (2017). Caregiver Burden in OCD: The Importance of Self-Care for Family Members. Behaviour Research and Therapy.