Paper Title
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder In Pakistani Females: A Psychosocial Perspective (Cultural Manifestation, Symptomology, Understanding And Treatment)

Abstract
The present study aimed to explore Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), in females as a cultural phenomenon. Manifestation, symptomology and understanding of OCD are purely cultural specific and many interesting themes were generated which are totally cultural specific like, possession of evil spirit. The findings indicated that females in Pakistani culture significantly suffer from all types of OCD but checking, contamination, doubting and cleanliness obsessive compulsive behavior is common. Qualitative study design was used and investigated the cultural specific experiences, perceptions, understanding and treatment of OCD females regarding their problem. Thematic Analysis was conducted to capture experiences of OCD among females. The main themes derived were psychological distress, social avoidance, social rejection, poor quality of life and functional impairment in almost all areas of life and facing hurdles in treatment. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were also carried out with Psychologists who were treating females diagnosed with OCD, they indicated that females with OCD are perceived negatively in Pakistani culture due to which treatment process face problems and recovery is very slow as people are not supportive towards the treatment. Cultural specific prevention techniques such as affective parenting, psych education, awareness, proper religious teachings would be provided to overcome and to prevent OCD in Pakistani society. Keywords: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Affective parenting, Psychological distress Cultural specific experiences.