IOCDF 28th Annual OCD Conference with Monnica Williams

The Annual OCD Conference brings together individuals and families living with OCD, mental health professionals, and researchers to educate and empower the community. This July, the International OCD Foundation invites you to learn about the latest treatments, research, and practices in OCD and related disorders.

Monnica Williams will be teaching a session called “Professional Plenary.” The session will discuss ow in North America, people of color are more likely to be misdiagnosed and undertreated for this disorder. There are many barriers people of color face when it comes to getting help for OCD, and some of these are anchored in racism. People of color may be hesitant to disclose symptoms that might validate false racial stereotypes. Struggles around racial identity can also play into symptom expression. Additionally, OCD content might also revolve around fears of being victimized due to race. Research published in the last few years is starting to show the importance of cultural considerations in understanding OCD, but the grave impact of racism is far from being solved. Racism limits what we know about OCD, makes existing OCD symptoms worse, influences symptom presentation, and limits access to mental health care. This presentation will discuss what we can do to make care for OCD more accessible and equitable for everyone.