In the largest direct cross-cultural comparison to date in the obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) field, it was discovered that Brazilian participants with OCD endorsed significantly greater rates of generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, whereas US subjects were significantly more likely to endorse a lifetime history of addiction (alcohol-use and substance-use disorders). This clinical comparison of OCD patients consisted of 1,187 adult treatment-seeking OCD outpatients from the US (n=236) and Brazil (n=951). Researchers found:

• With regards to the demographics, US participants with OCD were older, more likely to identify themselves as Caucasian, had achieved a higher educational level, and were less likely to be partnered when compared to Brazilians.
• Concerning the clinical variables after controlling for demographics, the 2 samples presented largely similar profiles.
• These results provide much needed insight regarding the development of culture-sensitive treatments.