Shared Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Sister-In-Laws: A Case Report from North India

BACKGROUND: Shared or induced Obsessive compulsive disorder(OCD) is not yet a distinct diagnosis in classification of psychiatric disorders.Shared obsessions and compulsions are a very rare disorder known to be represented by very few case reports in the literature. AIM: To discuss shared OCD phenomenon in 2 females(sister-in-laws)residing in same house. METHODOLOGY: We present a case report of sisters- in -laws of 33 & 35 yrs respectively with similar obsessions, compulsions. Illness started first in younger one,who was more educated, followed by other one after 2 years with complaints of excess concern with dirt and contamination and repetitive rituals with water like excess handwashing and bathing.All this led to significant impairment in their day to day functioning. Y-BOCS was applied to assess severity of symptoms. Both improved with pharmacological treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and behavioral intervention DISCUSSION: Shared OCD includes induction of an obsessive and compulsive symptoms of a dominant person in the submissive one who is in close relation with the dominant person. CONCLUSION: In the current psychiatric diagnostic nomenclature, (DSM V and ICD10), there is no category for a shared OCD. Greater awareness about this entity among mental health professionals is needed