EXPRESSED EMOTION IN FAMILIES AND THE TREATMENT OF OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) often has burdensome and debilitat ing effects on families. Family responses range front support and empa thy to excessive accommodation and overinvolvement to hostility and re jection. Assessment of individual family members' responses in these a renas help determine psychoeducational content for family members and whether relatives should participate in Behavioral treatment sessions and homework assignments. Research evidence indicates that families ma y be helpful in assisting with treatment, especially in a multifamily behavioral treatment (MFBT) format. Strategies for addressing problema tic family behaviors and attitudes are illustrated with case examples. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.