Multiple forms of discrimination and obsessive-compulsive disorder: a prospective cohort study

Area of Science:

• Adolescent mental health
• Psychiatry
• Sociology

Background:

• Discrimination is a known risk factor for adverse mental health outcomes.
• Studies indicate higher rates of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in Black adults experiencing racial discrimination.
• Longitudinal research on various forms of discrimination and OCD risk in early adolescence is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prospective associations between multiple forms of discrimination and the risk of developing OCD in early adolescents.
• To analyze data from a national sample of U.S. early adolescents.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (N=7,983) across two years (ages 10-13 and 11-14) were analyzed.
• Multiple logistic regression models were employed to assess associations between past-year discrimination experiences (race/ethnicity, country of origin, sexual orientation, weight, multi-discrimination) and probable OCD at follow-up.
• Models were adjusted for relevant covariates including demographics, socioeconomic status, and baseline mental health indicators.

Main Results:

• Multi-discrimination (OR=1.67), racial discrimination (OR=2.77), sexual orientation discrimination (OR=2.51), and weight discrimination (OR=2.51) were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of probable OCD at follow-up.
• No significant association was found for discrimination based on country of origin.
• These associations remained significant after adjusting for all covariates.

Conclusions:

• Experiencing multiple forms of discrimination during early adolescence is linked to an increased risk of developing probable OCD.
• Findings support the importance of screening for OCD in young adolescents who have encountered discrimination.
• Educators and healthcare providers should guide adolescents experiencing discrimination toward mental health resources.