A new peer-reviewed study explored six cases in which a primary patient was discovered based on a family member seeking medical care – and advocates for care that likewise considers all family members.
In these cases, the mental health condition was obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which put physical and/or emotional strain on a family member, causing that member to seek medical care (and ultimately leading to the recognition of the primary patient).
While specific conditions may differ, the concept underscores the heart of Pariva’s mission – that the most effective, lasting way to help a single family member is to support all family members. (As we like to say, “Of all the influences throughout a person’s life, the most consistent is the family.”)
Notably, according to the study abstract, “Familial accommodation often perpetuates compulsions, as seen in caregivers assuming proxy roles.” This often happens unintentionally as family members try to cope with day-to-day life. In two cases that the study explored, an older sibling’s OCD tendencies caused a younger sibling to mimic them to a problematic degree.
Fortunately, solutions spread in ripple effects, too. Interventions such as education about the mental health condition and family-based therapy (in this OCD scenario, cognitive-behavioral therapy) reduced family accommodation and led to better outcomes, the abstract said, emphasizing the “importance of systemic approaches, early diagnosis, and addressing caregiver burden” to mitigate ripple effects. The study advocated whole-family care.
Addressing the need of each member of a complex family may sound daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. The Pariva Family Support Program, focused on neurodivergent children and their families, involves a detailed analysis of family needs, then an intervention plan that includes work with a child, training caregivers, mental health support for all, recommendations and play-based learning techniques that fit into real life, and ongoing reevaluations to align with changing family dynamics and circumstances. We deliver all of this via telehealth to make it fit seamlessly into the rigors of everyday life. (Get started here.)
Our stats show that, for families in our program, parental stress levels improve, and children make developmental gains. But most importantly, each family member receives expert support so the entire family can thrive, both now and for the long haul.
Pariva Health has helped more than 25,000 families of neurodivergent children and
counting — find out more about the ways in which we empower families, offering hope and help, with lots of play and no wait list.
Cited study: Mudgal V, Jain P, Bagul K R, et al. (February 10, 2025) The Familial Burden: Recognizing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Through Proxy Family Members. Cureus 17(2): e78801. doi:10.7759/cureus.78801