Obsessive-compulsive disorder in black South Africans - A case series
Date
1996
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Health & Medical Publishing Group
Abstract
Background. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has been shown to be highly prevalent in both developing and developed countries. Nevertheless, data on OCD in blacks, and black South Africans in particular, are limited. Method. Records of patients presenting with OCD at a tertiary hospital serving a predominantly black population were reviewed. Patient data, including demographic information, presenting symptoms and clinical course, were collated. Results. Six black South Africans had presented with OCD in the previous year. Phenomenology and psychopharmacology of the disorder were largely reminiscent of those previously reported in the international literature. Conclusion. Not surprisingly, black South Africans may suffer from OCD. Nevertheless, it is likely that such patients do not present for treatment or are underdiagnosed. Future rigorous epidemiological research on OCD in South Africa is necessary.
Description
CITATION: Gangdev, P. S., Stein, D. J. & Ruzibiza, J. B. 1996. Obsessive-compulsive disorder in black South Africans - A case series. South African Medical Journal, 86(12):1592-1598.
The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
Keywords
Obsessive-compulsive disorder