Shared or induced obsessive compulsive disorder: Is it a reality?

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Mental Health
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Shared or induced obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is not a distinct diagnosis in current psychiatric classifications.
• Existing literature on shared or induced psychotic disorders, while recognized, is primarily based on rare case reports.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report three case studies of shared or induced OCD.
• To investigate the characteristics and diagnostic distinctiveness of shared or induced OCD.

Main Methods:

• Presentation of three case studies involving individuals with obsessive symptoms shared from a primary family case.
• Treatment of these cases with a focus on shared or induced OCD as the underlying psychopathology.

Main Results:

• Observed varied treatment responses, with the first two cases showing positive responses and the third case exhibiting a poor response.
• These differential responses suggest shared or induced OCD may be a distinct entity.
• Highlighted key differences between shared or induced OCD and shared psychosis.

Conclusions:

• Shared or induced OCD should be considered a distinct diagnosis.
• Increased awareness of this condition among mental health professionals is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.