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Abstract

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is one of the top 20 causes of illness-related disability for individuals between 15 and 44 years of age. The Palestinian people are especially at a higher risk of developing mental disorders in particular OCD, as a result of trauma from enmity and the immanent violence which has led to psychological disorders in people living in Palestine because it is under a seventh decade of Israeli occupation with continues violence and immanent abuses of basic human rights. The Palestinians Mental Health status needs a high level policy and services development, and there are high ratios of Palestinians having an OCD (15.6% of adolescents in Palestinian). This literature review aims to have an overview about OCD in Palestine (West Bank and Gaza Strip). MethodsA computerized literature searches (Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Springer Link, Elsevier, Semantic Scholar, and HINARI) was used to collect studies addressing the OCD in Palestine. Results and ConclusionOCD in Palestine is widely presented in adolescence and children at a young age. The most common type of OCD in Palestine is checking type. Set of risk factors increases developing OCD, including sexual abuse at any age as well as anxiety, depression, phobia and somatization disorders. In addition, the family incomes play a big role in presenting OCD, especially low income families. Most of the patients who have OCD were depressed and complaining of stigma and ignorance. Recommendations include getting rid of the stigma, creating a chance for low income families, further studies into OCD in Palestine, ending of the occupation and preventing children from following TV programs and war results.