Obsessive-compulsive disorder in black South Africans - A case series

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.