[Obsessive-compulsive disorder from a family perspective; implications for treatment and research]

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic, psychiatric disease which can be highly resistant to treatment. Several studies have suggested that family factors may play a role in the etiology and course of OCD.

To provide an overview of current knowledge about the complex interaction between OCD and family factors.

We performed a systematic search of the literature, using PubMed and Psychinfo.

OCD places a heavy burden on partners and family members, and their responses to symptoms influence the course of the disease, particularly the effect of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Interventions aimed at improving communicative skills and creating a more balanced family response can have a positive influence on the course of OCD.

It is advisable to integrate family factors into the treatment of OCD. Further research on this topic is needed.