Many topics are available for coverage in relations to mental health nursing, however, one of the most important topics pertains to Obsessive Compulsory Disorder (OCD). Potent knowledge relating to this issue is fundamental for mental health nursing since it manages to offer insight on the relevant changes that can be made to minimize the incidence of occurrence of OCD and also increase public awareness. The current article capitalizes on the recognition of OCD by the public and also perceptions held by people pertaining to OCD. It has long been perceived that the knowledge possessed by individuals in the society relating to OCD may be a contributing element to its occurrence. It is generally perceived that people suffering from OCD exhibit symptoms of perfectionism and compulsion. This is among the issues that the researcher sought to look into. Also, the relationship between people in the community in regards to their racial or ethnic affiliation, education level and income have been pointed out as some of the most significant issues that determine the occurrence of OCD. Notably, creation of awareness pertaining to OCD is necessary in order to eliminate any misconceptions currently held by people within the society.
One of the key findings of the article is that Race is a fundamental demographic factor to be considered in treatment of OCD. Ethnic minorities are in most cases often underrepresented. From a review undertaken on two dozen clinical trials, only 5.4 percent of those who participated were from minority communities ( Stewart, Grunthal, Collins & Coles, 2018 ). It has also been observed that European-American females are most likely to seek treatment for OCD. Further, the income, education background and exposure of individuals determined their awareness regarding OCD. A major reason why some people delay in seeking treatment for OCD is the perception by some individuals who view the symptoms they are experiencing as an exaggeration of “normal” behavior ( Stewart et al., 2018 ). It is also important to note that little attention is offered to those diagnosed with OCD. In the United States, the rate is as low as 25 percent and 14 percent in Britain ( Stewart et al., 2018 ). Based on the research conducted, however, it was generally considered that many people have little knowledge and awareness regarding OCD. What is, nonetheless, agreeable is that mental health literacy is a fundamental step towards a clear perception of OCD.
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The article has provided viable information which can be used for practice. For instance, the observation that minority communities are likely to possess the lowest awareness pertaining to OCD implies that more attention should be offered in terms of enlightening such individuals. Also, the education level of participants emerged as the most significant predictor concerning perception of relevant factors regarding OCD ( Stewart et al., 2018 ). This means that with a higher education level and greater exposure, individuals are more likely to grasp what OCD applies to. It is further apparent that it takes an average of 7.5 years for people who seek OCD related treatment to be served ( Stewart et al., 2018 ). As a result, more is supposed to be done to reduce the wait time in order to provide better services to those suffering from OCD. There is also reduced understanding connected to OCD symptoms. For instance, out of the adolescent participants in the study only 23.5 percent could identify aggressive intrusions associated with OCD ( Stewart et al., 2018 ). In practice, therefore, additional effort has to be put to ensure that more people are in a position to identify symptoms associated with OCD.
Far from the resourceful information provided by the article, there exists some underlying strengths and weaknesses. Part of the greatest strength of the article is the accommodation of participants within a diverse age group, 18 to 93 years ( Stewart et al., 2018 ). The move increases the credibility of research conducted since generally all ages have been accommodated. The researcher further sought to authenticate the study by accommodating a diverse range of races. With the involvement of minority races, it became possible to identify if any underlying detriments affected their perception of OCD. Also, another imminent strength is that while the researchers may have obtained relevant information from the study participants, they also refer to other studies conducted on the same subject. The only ostensible weakness of the article is overreliance on similar research studies undertaken.
The article can be recommended to others especially since they ought to learn more regarding OCD. The observation that there are still people who cannot clearly differentiate between OCD and OCPD makes it necessary for them to explore the article in order to grasp all the intricacies surrounding OCD. Also, with the information contained in the article, the reader can manage to identify the groups within the society which can be targeted for enlightenment regarding OCD. Meanwhile, the article explores the relationship between the level of education, income and OCD, and it is likely for the reader to discern the changes that can be made in order to capitalize on assisting people suffering from OCD. Additionally, since the article represents viable information about OCD, it can serve as a resourceful tool for reference.
To sum it up, the establishment of awareness pertaining to OCD is necessary in order to eliminate any misconceptions currently held by people within the society. OCD has emerged as an alarming mental illness affecting people within the society. But even more worrying is the little public awareness available on its occurrence. This is attributable to the level of education, race and income of individuals. Finally, if more awareness is extended to members of the society, it is highly probable that people will have a different attitude towards OCD.
Reference
Stewart, E., Grunthal, B., Collins, L., & Coles, M. (2018). Public Recognition and Perceptions of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Community mental health journal , 55 (1), 74-82.
