Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and the African-American Experience

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to examine obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and its debilitating effects on millions of people world-wide, specifically, African Americans. OCD is often times comorbid and affects various ages, genders, races, ethnicities, in the areas of one's mental health, physical health, social life, family relationships, and employment. Findings include causation and contributory factors such as but not limited to discrimination, racism, environment, lack of knowledge, mistrust in healthcare, mistrust in research studies, bias curriculum, and/or neurological impairments. Another purpose of this study is to awaken the need for mental health services in the African American culture and reduce the stigma attached.