Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Review of the Cross-Cultural Epidemiological Literature

Abstract

Early clinical studies suggested that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) was a rare disorder, but recent large-scale epidemiological research conducted in North America using standardized diagnostic criteria (DSM-III) report prevalence rates between 1 to 3%. A review of clinical and case reports of OCD among psychiatric population in non-Western countries reveals similar sociodemographic and clinical correlates for the disorder compared to Western findings. Epidemiological studies using translated versions of standardized diagnostic instruments and conducted in non-Western countries, report similar prevalence rates and clinical phenomenology for O CD as that found in Western settings. Methodological and measurement issues relevant to conducting valid cross- cultural psychiatric research are discussed in relationship to the diagnosis of OCD. The review concludes that OCD is generally similar in prevalence, sociodemographic characteristics and clinical features in both Western and non-Western countries for adult populations.

Clinico-demography Profile in Obsessive Compulsive Disorders

“…About half of the subjects (31) were married and half (29) unmarried. Patients of age group (20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29) year) constituted the largest proportion 26 (43.3%), followed by 30-39 year 17 (28.3%) and 10-19 year 10 (16.7%). Ethnicity distribution included mainly 17 (28.3%) Brahmins, 15 (25%) hilly ethnic groups (Rai, Limbu, Gurung, Tamang), 11 (18.3%) native Terai and Indians and 9 (15%) Newars.…”

“…Even though the great magnitude and associated disability are more or less similar worldwide, 5,17,20 there is a lack of study and data about OCD in Nepal. The present study is expected to open avenues for further larger studies.…”

Traditional Healing and Its Discontents: Efficacy and Traditional Therapies of Neuropsychiatric Disorders in Bali

“…The prevalence estimate of OCD in children is at least two to four percent, and an even larger number may have subclinical OCD (Grados et al 1997). Similar rates have been established internationally (Staley and Wand 1995), making OCD one of the most common major mental illnesses worldwide (Clarizio 1991).…”

“…Vocal tics include various words or sounds such as clicks, grunts, yelps, barks, sniffs, snorts, and coughs. Coprolalia, a complex vocal tic involving the uttering of obscenities, ranges from a low of 4 percent (in a Japanese sample) to upward of 60 percent in other samples (Staley and Wand 1995). Complex motor tics involving touching, squatting, deep knee bends, retracing steps, and twirling when walking may occur.…”

Dissatisfied Seekers: Efficacy in Traditional Healing of Neuropsychiatric Disorders in Bali

“…The prevalence estimate of OCD in children is at least 2-4%, and an even larger number may have subclinical OCD (Grados et al, 1997). Similar rates have been established internationally (Staley and Wand, 1995), making OCD one of the most common major mental illnesses worldwide. (Clarizio, 1991).…”