“Illness Perceptions in People with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; A Qualitative Study”

A Journal Reading Presented to

Lendell Kelly B. Ytac, RN
Faculty, INAHS BSN-Program
Davao Oriental State University

In Partial Fulfillment of the requirements for

NCM 117
Care of Clients with Maladaptive Patterns of Behavior (Acute and Chronic)

By:
Clint S. Ancog
Student Nurse, BSN-3A

May 13, 2022

 “Illness Perceptions in People with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; A Qualitative Study”

Authors: Rebecca Pedley, Penny Bee, Alison Wearden, Katherine Berry

Summary:

This study aims to use transcribed semi-structured interviews to identify and define the

disease perceptions of patients with OCD. They use theme analysis to investigate the sickness

perspectives of 16 patients with OCD.

According to the findings, failing to perceive experiences as symptoms hampered

symptom detection. Instead, these people viewed their symptoms as a personality flaw or

indication that they had deviated. Perceptions of OCD as a "part" of one's personality led to the

belief that it is permanent. People were worried about how OCD might affect their friends and

family, so they tried to minimize the effects by hiding symptoms from their children, whom they

thought would get OCD.

To facilitate early help-seeking and diagnosis, public and professional knowledge of

OCD should be broadened beyond 'washing and checking' to include lesser-known OCD

subtypes such as fear of damage. Early in therapy, it may be vital to acknowledge and refute

notions of OCD as permanent to increase engagement. In OCD treatment, the difficulties of

living with OCD in a family situation should be addressed.

Personal Insights and Reflection:

Worries, uncertainties, and superstitious beliefs are all part of everyday existence. When

obsessive-compulsive symptoms grow so severe that they interfere with daily living, OCD is

diagnosed. OCD causes people to suffer in silence and isolation, making it difficult to live

everyday life. Friends and family members may respond with embarrassment, ridicule, fury, and

intolerance.

This is a condition in which a person gets caught up in obsessions and compulsions. It's

not a pretty sight, and it's not as easy to deal with as one might think. Most people misdiagnose

OCD as a thinking disorder rather than an anxiety disorder. People with this disorder may look

strange to others because of their ongoing preoccupation with perceived threats.

A person with OCD allows his negative thoughts to immerse him in regret and an

overpowering sense of responsibility for what he feels will happen. Those around them should be

well-versed in the issue in this case. They should be aware that OCD is challenging for both the

sufferer and their family and loved ones.

Reference:

Pedley R, Bee P, Wearden A, Berry K (2019) Illness perceptions in people with obsessive-
compulsive disorder; A qualitative study. PLoS ONE 14(3): e0213495.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0213495