OCD: Epidemiology and aetiology

Epidemiology

• OCD is observed in males and females in approximately equal proportions.
• Prevalence may be as high as 1% to 3% in adults and 1% to 2% in childhood/ adolescence (especially just before the onset of puberty).
• Many adult sufferers report symptoms appearing for the first time in childhood or adolescence.
• Men more frequently present with checking rituals and women are more likely to display compulsive washing. 
• The course of OCD is usually chronic but may vary in severity in response to stress. 
• Many individuals do not present to healthcare professionals until early in middle age. 

Aetiology

• Multifactorial in origin.
• Includes environmental and hereditary factors.
• Brain imaging studies have identified the basal ganglia and orbitofrontal cortex to be involved in the development of OCD.

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Differential diagnosis and suggested screening questions

Epidemiology and aetiology

Treatment approaches

Further resources for patients and practitioners

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