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Dromer E, Jacob G, Williams MT, Moshirian Farahi SMM, Darius W, Kogan CS, Cénat JM. Obsessive-compulsive symptoms and related risk and protective factors in Black individuals in Canada. Front Psychol 2025; 16:1422900. [PMID: 40115291 PMCID: PMC11924203 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1422900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2025] [Indexed: 03/23/2025] Open
Abstract
Background Data from the United States showed that Black individuals face unique issues related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, Canadian research on OCD among Black individuals remains very limited. The present study aims to document obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms and related risk and protective factors in Black individuals aged 15 to 40 years old in Canada. Methods A total of 860 Black individuals (75.6% female) aged 15-40 years were recruited as part of the Black Community Mental Health in Canada (BcoMHealth) project. Independent t-tests, ANOVA, and multivariable linear regressions were used to assess OC symptom severity and identify risk and protective factors. Results Black individuals presented high levels of OC symptoms. Results showed that Black individuals born in Canada experienced more OC symptoms compared to those born abroad. Results also showed that there were no differences between Black women, Black men, and those who identified their sex as "other." Everyday discrimination, internalized racism, and microaggressions positively predicted OC symptoms, while social support negatively predicted OC symptoms. Limitations Limitations of this study include its cross-sectional nature, which prevents us from establishing causal links, not assessing for the clinical diagnosis of OCD, and using self-report measures. Results support that different forms of racial discrimination contribute to the development and severity of OC symptoms in Black individuals in Canada. Social support may play a protective role for those individuals. These factors must be considered in future research and in the assessment and treatment of Black individuals with OCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Dromer
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Grace Jacob
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Monnica T Williams
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Wina Darius
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Cary Samuel Kogan
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jude Mary Cénat
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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George JR, Taylor RJ, Rouleau TM, Turner ED, Williams MT. Seeking Care for Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms Among African Americans: Findings From the National Survey of American Life. Behav Ther 2025; 56:1-15. [PMID: 39814504 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2024.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2025]
Abstract
Although obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is associated with clinically significant distress, many OCD patients do not seek treatment. Studies show that Black Americans with OCD are even less likely to obtain treatment due to differences in access. This study explored demographic and symptom outcomes associated with mental health service use for obsessions and compulsions among a nationally representative sample of African American adults (n = 3,570). The analytic sample for this analysis is African Americans who endorsed either obsessions (n = 435) or compulsions (n = 543). Few respondents sought care from their doctor for obsessions (14.25%, n = 62) and even fewer sought care for compulsions (7.55%, n = 36). Respondents were significantly more likely to seek care for obsessions if they had poorer self-rated mental health and perceived impairment due to obsessions-however, they were significantly less likely to seek care for obsessions if they had a high school education or less. Additionally, respondents were more likely to seek care for compulsions if they had poorer self-rated mental health. Our findings suggest that demographic factors, such as level of education, can impact care-seeking behaviors and, therefore, treatment outcomes for African Americans with obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Knowledge of factors associated with OCD care-seeking behavior can help inform potential barriers to treatment and strategies to ensure equity in access to mental health care for this population. Clinical implications and future directions are discussed.
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Taylor RJ, Kim E, Chatters LM, Nguyen AW. Research on Religion and Aging Among Black Americans and Mexican Americans: The Impact of the National Institute on Aging. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2024; 65:gnae172. [PMID: 39588947 PMCID: PMC11772865 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnae172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 11/27/2024] Open
Abstract
For 50 years, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) has supported and promoted research on religious involvement among older adult populations. NIA funding of research on religious involvement has (i) broadened our understanding of how religious involvement is conceptualized and measured; (ii) explored the important role of social networks and interactions within religious communities in relation to congregants' health; (iii) supported research on national samples of the U.S. population that explore demographic variability in religious practices and beliefs, as well as their social correlates; and (iv) examined health-relevant frameworks and topics in relation to religion's association with physical and mental health and well-being. This article focuses on research on African Americans and Mexican Americans as well as comparative work involving non-Latino Whites. Selected topics in religion and aging include Conceptualization and Measurement of Religious Participation; Religious Participation; Religion and Mental Health; Religion and Physical Health, Church-Based Informal Support, Church Support, and Mental and Physical Health; Religious Coping; and the Use of Clergy for serious problems. NIA's long record of support for scholarship and research has significantly enriched our understanding of why and how religion matters for the health and social well-being of diverse populations of older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Joseph Taylor
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Elissa Kim
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Linda M Chatters
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Ann W Nguyen
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Aggarwal NK, Sadaghiyani S, Kananian S, Lam P, Messner G, Marincowitz C, Narayan M, Luciano AC, van Balkom AJLM, Hezel D, Lochner C, Shavitt RG, van den Heuvel OA, Simpson B, Lewis-Fernández R. Patient Perceptions of Illness Causes and Treatment Preferences for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Mixed-Methods Study. Cult Med Psychiatry 2024; 48:591-613. [PMID: 38898162 DOI: 10.1007/s11013-024-09865-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition with high patient morbidity and mortality. Research shows that eliciting patient explanations about illness causes and treatment preferences promotes cross-cultural work and engagement in health services. These topics are in the Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI), a semi-structured interview first published in DSM-5 that applies anthropological approaches within mental health services to promote person-centered care. This study focuses on the New York City site of an international multi-site study that used qualitative-quantitative mixed methods to: (1) analyze CFI transcripts with 55 adults with OCD to explore perceived illness causes and treatment preferences, and (2) explore whether past treatment experiences are related to perceptions about causes of current symptoms. The most commonly named causes were circumstantial stressors (n = 16), genetics (n = 12), personal psychological traits (n = 9), an interaction between circumstantial stressors and participants' brains (n = 6), and a non-specific brain problem (n = 6). The most common treatment preferences were psychotherapy (n = 42), anything (n = 4), nothing (n = 4), and medications (n = 2). Those with a prior medication history had twice the odds of reporting a biological cause, though this was not a statistically significant difference. Our findings suggest that providers should ask patients about illness causes and treatment preferences to guide treatment choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Krishan Aggarwal
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, USA.
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA.
| | | | - Schahryar Kananian
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Peter Lam
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
| | | | - Clara Marincowitz
- SA MRC Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Madhuri Narayan
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Alan Campos Luciano
- Department and Institute of Psychiatry, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anton J L M van Balkom
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- GGZ inGeest, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dianne Hezel
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
| | - Christine Lochner
- SA MRC Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Roseli Gedanke Shavitt
- Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders Program, LIM-23, Instituto de Psiquiatria do Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Odile A van den Heuvel
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Compulsivity Impulsivity Attention Program, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Blair Simpson
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
| | - Roberto Lewis-Fernández
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
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Nguyen AW, Taylor HO, Lincoln KD, Wang F, Hamler T, Mitchell UA. Religious Involvement and Sleep Among Older African Americans. J Aging Health 2022; 34:413-423. [PMID: 35416083 DOI: 10.1177/08982643221085408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Objective: This study sought to determine whether religious involvement is associated with sleep quality in a nationally representative sample of older African Americans. Methods: The analytic sample included African American respondents aged 55+ from the National Survey of American Life-Reinterview (N = 459). Religious involvement variables included service attendance, reading religious texts, watching religious television programs, listening to religious radio programs, prayer, and subjective religiosity. Sleep outcomes were restless sleep and sleep satisfaction. Multiple linear regression analysis was used. Results: Watching religious television programs was associated with more restless sleep. Respondents who attended religious services less than once a year, at least once a week, or nearly every day reported greater sleep satisfaction than respondents who never attended religious services. Subjective religiosity was associated with lower sleep satisfaction. Discussion: The findings demonstrate the importance of examining a variety of religious involvement domains, which could point to different explanatory pathways between religious involvement and sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann W Nguyen
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, 114588Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Harry Owen Taylor
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, 7938University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Karen D Lincoln
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, 5116University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Fei Wang
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, 114588Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tyrone Hamler
- Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Uchechi A Mitchell
- School of Public Health, 14681University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, USA
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Lucchetti G, Koenig HG, Lucchetti ALG. Spirituality, religiousness, and mental health: A review of the current scientific evidence. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:7620-7631. [PMID: 34621814 PMCID: PMC8462234 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i26.7620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Research in the field of “Spirituality and Health” has been growing, with spirituality/religiousness (S/R) being consistently related to both physical and mental health. The objective of this article is to provide an updated review of the current scientific evidence on the relationship between S/R and mental health, highlighting the most important studies. As a secondary objective, the mechanisms that explain this relationship and the interventions that utilize this information in treating mental disorders will be discussed. The findings reveal a large body of evidence across numerous psychiatric disorders. Although solid evidence is now available for depression, suicidality, and substance use, other diagnosis, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, psychosis, and anxiety, have also shown promising results. The effects of S/R on mental health are likely bidirectional, and the manner in which religious beliefs are used to cope with distress (i.e. negative and positive), may affect mental health outcomes. Despite these findings, the mechanisms that explain these associations and the role of S/R interventions need further study. Concerning clinical practice, mental health providers should ask patients about S/R that are important in their lives to provide holistic and patient-centered care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giancarlo Lucchetti
- School of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora 36030-776, Brazil
| | - Harold G Koenig
- Medical Center, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, United States
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Cultural competency in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: practitioner guidelines. COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPIST 2020. [DOI: 10.1017/s1754470x20000501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
This article provides clinical guidelines for basic knowledge and skills essential for successful work with clients who have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) across ethnic, racial and religious differences. We emphasise multiculturalist and anti-racist approaches and the role of culture in shaping the presentation of OCD in clients. Several competencies are discussed to help clinicians differentiate between behaviour that is consistent with group norms versus behaviour that is excessive and psychopathological in nature. Symptom presentation, mental health literacy and explanatory models may differ across cultural groups. The article also highlights the possibility of violating client beliefs and values during cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and subsequently offers strategies to mitigate such problems, such as consulting community members, clergy, religious scholars and other authoritative sources. Finally, there is a discussion of how clinicians can help clients from diverse populations overcome a variety of obstacles and challenges faced in the therapeutic context, including stigma and cultural mistrust.
Key learning aims
(1)
To gain knowledge needed for working with clients with OCD across race, ethnicity and culture.
(2)
To understand how race, ethnicity and culture affect the assessment and treatment of OCD.
(3)
To increase awareness of critical skills needed to implement CBT effectively for OCD in ethnoracially diverse clients.
(4)
To acknowledge potential barriers experienced by minoritized clients and assist in creating accessible spaces for services.
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Nguyen AW. Religion and Mental Health in Racial and Ethnic Minority Populations: A Review of the Literature. Innov Aging 2020; 4:igaa035. [PMID: 33005754 PMCID: PMC7518711 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igaa035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Religion has been an important source of resiliency for many racial and ethnic minority populations. Given the salience, sociohistorical context, and importance of religion in the lives of black and Latino Americans, this literature review focuses on the mental health and well-being outcomes of religion among black and Latino Americans across the adult life course and specifically in later life. This review provides an overview of religious participation and religiosity levels and an in-depth discussion of extant research on the relationship between the multiple dimensions of religiosity and mental health in these 2 populations. Racial differences between blacks, Latinos, and non-Latino whites are also examined. Suggestions for limitations of the current literature and future directions for research on religion and mental health in racial/ethnic minority populations, especially older minorities, are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann W Nguyen
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
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Hope MO, Taggart T, Galbraith-Gyan KV, Nyhan K. Black Caribbean Emerging Adults: A Systematic Review of Religion and Health. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2020; 59:431-451. [PMID: 31828596 PMCID: PMC7722983 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-019-00932-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Religion, a prominent factor among Black diasporic communities, influences their health outcomes. Given the increase in Black Caribbeans living in the United States, it is important to understand how religion's function among different ethnic groups of Black Americans. We systematically reviewed four databases and included articles of any study design if they (a) focused on the religious experiences of emerging adults (18-29 years) identifying as Black Caribbean in the United States, in light of medical, public health, or mental health outcomes, and (b) were published before November 30, 2018. Study results contribute to future studies' conceptualization and measurement of religion among Black Caribbean emerging adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith O Hope
- National Center for Institutional Diversity, University of Michigan, 610 East University Avenue, Suite 3338, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Tamara Taggart
- Department of Prevention & Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Avenue, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kayoll V Galbraith-Gyan
- School of Nursing, Northeastern University, Robinson Hall, 336 Huntingdon Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Kate Nyhan
- Cushing/Whitney Medical Library, Yale University, P.O. Box 208014, New Haven, CT, 06520-8014, USA
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Taylor D, Richards D. Triple Jeopardy: Complexities of Racism, Sexism, and Ageism on the Experiences of Mental Health Stigma Among Young Canadian Black Women of Caribbean Descent. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2019; 4:43. [PMID: 33869366 PMCID: PMC8022454 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2019.00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This article explores how the intersection of race, gender, and age intertextually complicate and nuance the experience of mental health stigma among young Black women of Caribbean descent living in Canada. The Mental Health Commission of Canada acknowledged that mental health stigma continues to affect the help-seeking behavior of young adults. Some youth-serving agencies and many advocates within Black communities have become increasingly vocal about mental health stigma and the lackluster response to the needs of Black youth (e.g., no increase in funding for the Substance Abuse Program for African, Canadian, and Caribbean Youth-SAPACCY, since the program was established in the mid-1990s). The issue of mental health stigma within the African, Caribbean, and Black Canadian (ACB) communities is widely known and often discussed at public forums. Several recent mental health forums and mental health initiatives held in Toronto made it clear that mental health in Black communities is at a crisis point in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and possibly across Canada. Forum discussions also revealed that the issue is further compounded by the intersection of race, gender, and age. In addition, while research studies have also identified stigma as a barrier to accessing mental health services and/or supports, there is a paucity of research on how mental health stigma, when complicated by the experience of racism, sexism, and ageism, affects access to services among young Black women of Caribbean descent. This lack of research on Caribbean women's experience with mental illness limits insights into concepts, issues, and problems that directly impact broader issues related to mental health in Canada. This article engenders a discussion that strengthens the focus on mental health stigma campaigns and education on the mental health of young Black women in Canada. The lack of literature relating to this topic in the Canadian context, as previously noted, limits the extent to which this issue can be fully discussed within Canada. As such, insights into concepts and existing discussions on women's mental health throughout this paper will include references to literature from the U.S., U.K., and Australia, professional experiential knowledge, and personal insights from conversations with young Black women of Caribbean descent. The paper calls for more research on Caribbean women's mental health in Canada to provide better insights and understanding of the issue within a Canadian context.
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Nicolini H, Salin-Pascual R, Cabrera B, Lanzagorta N. Influence of Culture in Obsessive-compulsive Disorder and Its Treatment. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 13:285-292. [PMID: 29657563 PMCID: PMC5872369 DOI: 10.2174/2211556007666180115105935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background The aspects of cultural identity and its impact on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have been un-derstudied. There are different opinions, ranging from the idea that culture does not affect the symptoms of this condition to the idea that cultures with high religiosity may have more severity of OCD. Also, the concept of OCD has considerably var-ied across history and cultures, from being considered an issue related to lack of control of blasphemous ideas, and a part of anxious issues, to the description of complex neurobiological systems in its causation. Objective The aim of this review was to address OCD as a well-characterized disorder with a proposed neurobiological ba-sis which may or may not have variations depending on cultural diversity. The question that was asked in this review is whether or not there are cultural differences in the manifestations of the OCD symptomatology and which factors of cultural diversity have a major influence on such manifestations along with the differences among some cultures regarding OCD is-sues, where the difference among countries has also been highlighted. Methods A review of the literature was conducted that includes the following words: obsessive-compulsive disorder, cul-ture, cultural identity and religion in a period of 10 years. Conclusion Cultural variations do not seem to differ from symptomatic clusters of OCD, which may be indicating that a se-ries of adaptive behaviors is evolutionarily evolving to be constantly altered, perhaps by well-determined pathophysiological mechanisms. Some aspects that have been related to some dimensions of OCD symptomatology are religion and religiosity, affecting the content of obsessions and the severity of manifestations. Properly evaluating the education background, access to health services, food, and the genetic structure of populations, using investigational instruments sensitive to these cultural elements, will increase our understanding of the importance of culture on OCD and its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humberto Nicolini
- 1Genomics of Psychiatric and Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN), Mexico City, Mexico; 2Clinical Research, Carracci Medical Group, Mexico City, Mexico; 3Departamanto de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rafael Salin-Pascual
- 1Genomics of Psychiatric and Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN), Mexico City, Mexico; 2Clinical Research, Carracci Medical Group, Mexico City, Mexico; 3Departamanto de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Brenda Cabrera
- 1Genomics of Psychiatric and Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN), Mexico City, Mexico; 2Clinical Research, Carracci Medical Group, Mexico City, Mexico; 3Departamanto de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nuria Lanzagorta
- 1Genomics of Psychiatric and Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN), Mexico City, Mexico; 2Clinical Research, Carracci Medical Group, Mexico City, Mexico; 3Departamanto de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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12
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Williams MT, Taylor RJ, Himle JA, Chatters LM. Demographic and health-related correlates of obsessive-compulsive symptoms among African Americans. J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord 2017; 14:119-126. [PMID: 30079297 PMCID: PMC6072272 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocrd.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the correlates of the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) among a nationally-representative sample of African American adults (n = 3,570). Demographic and several self-rated health variables were examined. Although only 1.6% of the sample met DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for OCD, a sizeable proportion of the sample reported compulsions (12.5%) and obsessions (15.3%). Material hardship was positively associated with nearly all measured symptoms of OCD and fewer years of educational attainment was related to greater compulsive symptoms. Self-rated mental health was related to both compulsions and obsessions, and self-rated physical health was associated with counting and repeating compulsions. Implications and areas for further research with African Americans are discussed, including improving access to care for those most in need of services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monnica T Williams
- College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Department of Psychological Sciences School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut
| | - Robert Joseph Taylor
- School of Social Work, Program for Research on Black Americans, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Joseph A Himle
- School of Social Work, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Linda M Chatters
- School of Social Work, School of Public Health, Program for Research on Black Americans, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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Hopkins PD, Shook NJ. A review of sociocultural factors that may underlie differences in African American and European American anxiety. J Anxiety Disord 2017; 49:104-113. [PMID: 28494387 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Preliminary evidence indicates there may be differences in the prevalence and severity of anxiety in African Americans and European Americans. A number of sociocultural risk and protective factors have been suggested to contribute to these group differences, such as salience of physical illnesses, discrimination, stigma toward mental illness, religiosity, and ethnic identity. In this paper, the literature concerning each of these factors is reviewed. Overall, the strongest evidence was found for ethnic identity and stigma toward mental illness as factors underlying group differences in anxiety. Ethnic identity and stigma toward mental illness consistently differed by racial group and were associated with anxiety in African Americans. Ethnic identity may buffer against the negative consequences of anxiety, reducing prevalence rates in African Americans. Stigma toward mental illness may decrease African Americans willingness to report anxiety symptoms, reducing overall prevalence rates but increasing the severity of treated cases. The research regarding discrimination, salience of physical illnesses, and religiosity was less clear. Much more research is required, but the findings of this review suggest that future studies should put particular emphasis on stigma toward mental illness and ethnic identity as important factors in understanding African American anxiety outcomes.
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Couto M, Morgado P. Pertubação Obsessivo-Compulsiva e Religião: Uma Revisão Sistemática. PORTUGUESE JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2017. [DOI: 10.1159/000479754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
<b><i>Introdução:</i></b> A relação entre perturbação obsessivo-compulsiva e religião tem vindo a ser estudada, quer na perturbação obsessivo-compulsiva com temas de religião quer nas outras formas de expressão da doença. Com este estudo pretendeu-se analisar a forma como as crenças religiosas podem influenciar as obsessões e compulsões de cada paciente, e vice-versa. <b><i>Métodos:</i></b> Foi efetuada uma pesquisa na PubMed seguida da aplicação de diversos critérios de acordo com as regras PRISMA para revisão sistemática. Foram selecionados 14 artigos que foram interpretados e relacionados entre si. <b><i>Resultados:</i></b> Verificou-se que existe uma estreita relação entre a religião e a perturbação obsessivo-compulsiva, existindo, contudo, um pequeno número de estudos que não confirma esta associação. A relação entre a religião e a perturbação obsessivo-compulsiva pode ser conceptualizada como causa ou como consequência, verificando-se que diferentes tipos de crenças têm diferentes efeitos no pensamento e, por esse meio, influenciam a apresentação clínica da doença. <b><i>Discussão:</i></b> Em suma, a perturbação obsessivo-compulsiva é fortemente influenciada pelas crenças religiosas dos pacientes. Futuras investigações poderão ajudar a esclarecer esta interação com vista a melhor compreender e tratar os doentes com elevados níveis de religiosidade.
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Abstract
African-Americans are approximately half as likely as their white counterparts to use professional mental health services. High levels of religiosity among African-Americans may lend to a greater reliance on religious counseling and coping when facing a mental health problem. This study investigates the relationship between three dimensions of religiosity and professional mental health service utilization among a large (n = 3570), nationally representative sample of African-American adults. African-American adults who reported high levels of organizational and subjective religiosity were less likely than those with lower levels of religiosity to use professional mental health services. This inverse relationship was generally consistent across individuals with and without a diagnosable Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, anxiety, mood, or substance use disorder. No association was found between nonorganizational religiosity and professional mental health service use. Seeking professional mental health care may clash with sociocultural religious norms and values among African-Americans. Strategic efforts should be made to engage African-American clergy and religious communities in the conceptualization and delivery of mental health services.
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Agorastos A, Demiralay C, Huber CG. Influence of religious aspects and personal beliefs on psychological behavior: focus on anxiety disorders. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2014; 7:93-101. [PMID: 24648780 PMCID: PMC3956626 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s43666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The current paper presents literature relevant to the relationship of religiosity, spirituality, and personal beliefs with mental health and, in particular, anxiety disorders as an empirical narrative review, providing an overview on the most important and clinically relevant research results on the topic. The relationship between religiosity/spirituality, personal beliefs (ie, magical ideation and paranormal beliefs), and mental health has lately been studied extensively, and results have indicated significant associations among these variables. However, scientific approaches to this field are complex and multidimensional, partly leading to poor operationalization, incomparable data, and contradictory results. Literature demonstrates that higher religiosity/spirituality and magical ideation scores have often been associated with increased obsessive–compulsive traits. Similar results could not be confidently replicated for other anxiety disorders. However, it is still unclear if these differences suggest a specific association with obsessive–compulsive traits and reflect deviating etiopathogenetic and cognitive aspects between obsessive–compulsive disorder and other anxiety disorders, or if these results are biased through other factors. Religiosity/spirituality and personal beliefs constitute important parameters of human experience and deserve greater consideration in the psychotherapeutic treatment of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agorastos Agorastos
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Cüneyt Demiralay
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian G Huber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In order to consider findings about the relationship between spirituality, religiosity and personality disorders, recent research was reviewed and emerging patterns in the latest findings were explored. RECENT FINDINGS Within the diagnostic category of personality disorders, recent research into the role of spirituality has focused on schizotypy and borderline personality traits and aspects of 'control' relating to antisocial personality disorder. Although the number of studies is quite limited, this review has highlighted an interesting pattern emerging from recent studies that suggests that, while overall psychological well being has previously been reported as low, spiritual well being remains high in studies of personality focusing on schizotypy and borderline personality traits. SUMMARY The positive link between religious and spiritual well being and mental health has been corroborated by a number of studies. This review of recent research has identified emerging trends suggesting that the dimensions of religious and spiritual well being remain high for individuals displaying schizotypy and borderline personality traits, and is not as reduced as general well being in individuals diagnosed with personality disorders. Although much work remains to be conducted with individuals diagnosed with personality disorders, spirituality appears to be an interesting area to explore clinically.
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Williams M, Domanico J, Marques L, Leblanc N, Turkheimer E. Barriers to treatment among African Americans with obsessive-compulsive disorder. J Anxiety Disord 2012; 26:555-63. [PMID: 22410094 PMCID: PMC3361244 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2012.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
African Americans are underrepresented in OCD treatment centers and less likely to experience a remission of symptoms. This study examines the barriers that prevent African Americans with OCD from receiving treatment. Seventy-one adult African Americans with OCD were recruited and administered the modified Barriers to Treatment Participation Scale (BTPS) and the Barriers to Treatment Questionnaire (BTQ). Comparing the BTQ between a European American Internet sample (N=108) and the African American OCD sample (N=71) revealed barriers unique to African Americans, including not knowing where to find help and concerns about discrimination. A Mokken Scale Analysis of the BTPS in the African American participants identified seven major barriers, including the cost of treatment, stigma, fears of therapy, believing that the clinician will be unable to help, feeling no need for treatment, and treatment logistics (being too busy or treatment being too inconvenient). Pearson and point-biserial correlations of the scales and demographic and psychological variables were conducted. Significant relationships emerged between age, gender, income, education, insurance status, and ethnic affirmation/belonging among several of the Mokken scales. A one-way ANOVA demonstrated that concerns about cost were significantly greater for those without insurance, versus those with public or private plans. Suggestions for overcoming barriers are presented, including community education, affordable treatment options, and increasing cultural competence among mental health providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- M.T. Williams
- University of Louisville, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, 2301 South Third Street, Louisville, KY 40292,
| | - J. Domanico
- University of Pennsylvania, Department of Psychology, Philadelphia, PA, 19104,
| | - L. Marques
- Center for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Disorders, Massachusetts General Hospital, 1 Bowdoin Square, Boston, MA, 02114,
| | - N.J. Leblanc
- Center for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Disorders, Massachusetts General Hospital, 1 Bowdoin Square, Boston, MA, 02114,
| | - E. Turkheimer
- University of Virginia, Department of Psychology, Box 400400, Charlottesville, VA, 22904,
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