[Family dynamics and family therapy of obsessive-compulsive disorder]

Obsessive-compulsive disorders and behaviours characterising an anancastic personality disorder have a direct interpersonal impact. Conflicts of subjects with OCD are often focussed on control and submission, order and cleanliness, a technical-signal processing cognitive style and insecure self-object-boundaries. In the patients families obsessive compulsive disorders and behviours, restrictions in the development of autonomy and a controlling parenting style are often to be found. Unsecure attachment is discussed as one possible contribution to the development of OCD. Relatives are often involved in obsessive-compulsive symptoms. The psychosocial burden on them is often considerable. The inclusion of the family into the treatment of children and adolescents improves treatment results.