Information For Family & Friends

OCD Ireland has found the following information useful. This page will be divided into three sections: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Trichotillomania and Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

Each of these disorders can be quite stressful for both the sufferer as well for their family members and friends. The following links have been provided to provide assistance to family and friends.

      OCD

What can relatives and friends do to help?
Family & Friends Info (1)
Family & Friends Info (2)
A Partner and Family Guide to Dealing with OCD
Family & Friends Info (3)
OCD Factsheet OCD Ireland Self Help Book Section

      OCD on YouTube...

• OCF video
• The Fourth Time- A moment in life with OCD
• My Life with OCD: Lauren's Story Part I (Dramatic Health)
• Children with OCD

      Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania Learning Centre
Support for parents, friends or relatives of trichotillomania sufferers OCD Ireland Self Help Book Section

      Online Support for Family and Friends of Trichotillomania sufferers

Parents:This is an excellent way to stay in touch, ask questions, meet other parents, and receive support for those times that are difficult. To join, follow the instructions at: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ParentsTrichSupport

      Trichotillomania on YouTube

Watch! Trichotillomania described
Watch! Trichotillomania linked To Gene Defect!
Watch! Trichotillomania: The impact at work!
Watch! Trichotillomania: Living with Trichotilloamania
Watch! Trichotilloamania: A young man's perspective

      Body Dysmorphic Disorder

How disabling is BDD?

Depending upon the individual, it can fall anywhere between slightly and severely. Many sufferers are single or divorced, suggesting that for people with BDD that they find it difficult to form relationships. Also, it can make normal employment or family life at least difficult or in more severe cases impossible. Those who are in regular employment or who have family responsibilities would almost certainly find life more productive and satisfying if they did not have the symptoms. The partners of sufferers of BDD may also become involved and suffer greatly.

BDD has been called a 'hidden disorder' because the shame and secrecy surrounding the lives of sufferers. This means that many who have the disorder are never diagnosed or receive the treatment they deserve. Finally, it is estimated that an equal number of men and women suffer from BDD, and the former are more likely to retreat from help because of the mistaken belief that this is a problem that affects women only.

If you suspect that either you or someone you know is suffering from BDD it is imperative to seek professional help as soon as possible. Please contact ocdireland.com to be put in contact with a qualified cognitive behavioral therapist, or simply for more information.

Alternatively, all sufferers of BDD and their friends/ family are welcome to join the twice-monthly support group organized by OCD Ireland in St Patrick's Hospital. The meetings bring together people affected by BDD, OCD and Trichotillomania in an informal setting, to discuss ongoing issues and current treatment options. Please see the calendar on this website for the dates of upcoming meetings.

Please refer to our "Chat Rooms/Discussion Boards" page for links to web pages specifically created for family and friends for an opportunity to speak and share with others. In addition useful self-help books can be found here at OCD Ireland Self Help Book Section

      Useful Links about BDD for Family and Friends

BDD Foundation
Eda Gorbis Speaks out!
Cleveland Clinc on BDD

      BDD on YouTube

Watch! BDD - As a Teenager
Watch! BDD as a young adult
Watch! The Role Of Family And Friends On BDD Treatment
Watch! BDD in Childhood
Watch!A Patients Perspective on BDD
Watch!Life after Treatment for BDD