Experiences of Individuals Suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Qualitative Study

Authors

Anindita Bhattacharya, Azim Premji UniversityFollow
Amool Ranjan Singh, Ranchi Institute of Neuro-Psychiatry and Allied SciencesFollow

Abstract

This study was aimed at giving voice to the experiences of four people suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Five in-depth interviews were conducted on each individual constructing themselves in the light of their own experiences. A “case study approach” was chosen as the suitable method to go in depth into the information and “thematic content analysis” was used as the method of analysis. The life stories of these individuals were reconstructed in terms of themes, and recurring themes were further explored and elucidated and linked with literature. This study helps in reaching the depths of life experiences of individuals suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder and how it affects their life in the domains of family, interpersonal relationships, occupation and self- concept. The main themes identified were that of “Connection vs. Disconnection,” “Feeling of Guilt,” and “Authenticity” as particularly important areas for clinical practice and future research.

Keywords

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Case Study, Qualitative Research, Thematic Analysis

Author Bio(s)

Dr. Anindita Bhattacharya has completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology from National Institute of Mental health and Neuro-sciences, Bangalore, India and is currently working in Azim Premji University, Bangalore as a Senior lecturer.

Dr. Amool Ranjan Singh is the Head of Department, Department of Clinical Psychology, Ranchi Institute of Neuro-Psychiatry and Allied Sciences.

Correspondence regarding this article can be addressed directly to: Anindita Bhattacharya at, itsanindita@gmail.com or Anindita.bhattacharya@apu.edu.in.

Correspondence regarding this article can also be addressed directly to: Amool Ranjan Singh at, sisamool@yahoo.com.

Acknowledgements

The research was done as a part of Junior Research fellowship granted by University Grants Commission, India.

Publication Date

7-6-2015

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2015.2178

Recommended APA Citation

Bhattacharya, A., & Singh, A. R. (2015). Experiences of Individuals Suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Qualitative Study. The Qualitative Report, 20(7), 959-981. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2015.2178