to understand psychologically reports from outpatients in psychiatric treatment, diagnosed with OCD, in the search of developmentof strategies aiming egossintonia.

intentional sampling of nine outpatients from psychiatric service, enclosed by theoretical saturation. Clinical-qualitative outline, with semi-directed interviews withopen-ended questions. Fluctuating readings in search of units of meaning forthe categorization of the data.

five categories have emerged: (1) Control: the outpatient, in order to avoid anxiety, developsthe strategy of control, with a detailed planning of activities. (2) Socialisolation: diminishment of the social interaction due to the embarrassment ofperforming rituals in public. (3) Face-off: performance of activities in spite of rituals. (4) Rationalization: elaboration of forged explanations which dissemble obsessive ideations or rituals in order to attenuate psychic distressand social difficulties. (5) Dependence: search of involvement of other personsin the rituals, causing them to be less exhausting.

as the OCD impacts the outpatients’ quality of life, adaptation strategies are sought so as to minimize the discomfort. The awareness of such fact by health care providers enables greater empathy, leading to better adherence to treatments.

Keywords: obsessive compulsive disorder; ego-syntonic behavior; qualitative research.