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

BACKGROUND: Shared or induced obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is not yet a distinct diagnosis in classification of psychiatric disorders. In fact, though recognized as a diagnostic category, shared or induced psychotic disorders are rare and most of the literature is based on the case reports. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We are reporting three case studies manifested with shared or induced OCD (cases with obsessive symptoms that were shared from the primary case in their family). RESULTS: All the cases were treated considering shared or induced OCD as psychopathology. Response to treatment modalities in first and second case and poor response to treatment in third case is suggestive of shared or induced OCD as a distinct entity. It is different from shared psychosis in many ways. CONCLUSION: Shared or induced OCD is a distinct diagnosis. Greater awareness about this entity among mental health professionals is needed.