OCD statistics 2025

In this article:

• What is obsessive-compulsive disorder?
• How common is OCD?
• OCD statistics on severity:
• OCD statistics by age:
• OCD statistics worldwide
• OCD and co-occurring mental health conditions
• Causes of OCD
• Treating OCD
• FAQs

In this article

• What is obsessive-compulsive disorder?
• How common is OCD?
• OCD statistics on severity:
• OCD statistics by age:
• OCD statistics worldwide
• OCD and co-occurring mental health conditions
• Causes of OCD
• Treating OCD
• FAQs

It’s not uncommon to have a specific morning routine or evening ritual—something that’s become an integral part of daily life. And, it’s not abnormal to want a tidy home or clean workspace. However, if you feel anxious when something isn’t done just so or if you have to fight irrational or unwanted urges to repeat these tasks, you might find that these are symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). 

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), OCD affects an estimated 1.2% of adults in the United States. Below, we compiled the most recent and useful OCD statistics to illustrate its prevalence in the United States.

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder?

OCD is a chronic anxiety disorder characterized by a cycle of obsessive thoughts and compulsions. The NIMH defines obsessions as uncontrollable, recurring thoughts and compulsions as behaviors that a person feels the urge to repeat again and again. 

The current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) does not formally categorize OCD into different types. However, some clinicians find it helpful to classify OCD into one or more of four primary, but not mutually exclusive, types:

1. Contamination and cleaning: When obsession over germs and contamination leads to compulsive cleaning or handwashing
2. Symmetry: When an obsession over symmetry and order leads to compulsive counting, reordering, and repetitive behaviors
3. Forbidden thoughts: When intrusive thoughts about sex, violence, or religion lead to compulsive avoidance of triggering people and places or compulsively praying or seeking forgiveness and reassurance
4. Hoarding: When an obsession over acquiring or needing certain items leads to compulsive saving, even when the item has no value

Regardless of the specific behavior, the cycle of OCD persists through an internal reward and punishment system, where compulsive behaviors are repeated to reduce anxiety caused by obsessions. 

Menije Boduryan-Turner, PsyD, a psychologist based in California, explains that OCD greatly affects a person’s life due to intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and uncertainty. OCD obsessions are intrusive and can be triggered at any time. Some people with OCD find it difficult to leave the house because ritualistic behavior in public can be embarrassing. 

How common is OCD?

• OCD is the fourth most common mental health disorder. (Comprehensive Psychiatry, 2022)
• Approximately 1 in 40 U.S. adults have OCD now or will develop it at some point in their lifetimes. (Molecular Psychology, 2010) 
• The prevalence of OCD in a 12-month period is higher in females (1.8%) than in males (0.5%). (National Institute of Mental Health)

OCD statistics on severity:

Statistics on OCD severity are based on the Sheehan Disability Scale, a self-reported assessment of functional impairment in work, social, and family life.

• Half of adults with OCD (50.6%) reported serious impairment as of 2001-2003.
• One-third of adults with OCD (34.8%) reported moderate impairment as of 2001-2003. 
• Only 15% of adults with OCD reported mild impairment as of 2001-2003. 

(Harvard Medical School, 2005)

OCD statistics by age:

• The average age of onset of OCD is 19 years. (Cleveland Clinic, 2022)
• People with an early age of onset have more severe symptoms of OCD and higher rates of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder. (Psychological Medicine, 2014)
• OCD has been shown to increase with age overall, and the biggest increase in prevalence with age is hoarding disorder. (The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 2018)

OCD statistics worldwide

Worldwide statistics on OCD are not widely reported, and several research reviews suggest that this disorder is underdiagnosed. However, OCD statistics show that the condition is diagnosed at similar rates in Europe and North America. 

• In a 12-month span, an estimated 1.2% of American adults are diagnosed with OCD compared to 0.1% to 2.3% of Europeans. (Comprehensive Psychiatry, 2022)

OCD and co-occurring mental health conditions

Approximately 2 in 3 adults with OCD have or have had at least one other mental health disorder. For example:

• About 50% of people with OCD also have major depressive disorder.
• About 25% of people with OCD also have other anxiety disorders. 
• A little more than 10% of people with OCD also have personality disorders.

(Stanford Medicine)

Causes of OCD

The exact cause of OCD is unknown, but a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors contribute to its development, according to the National Library of Medicine. 

“Abnormalities in neurotransmitter systems—chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate that send messages between brain cells—are also involved in the disorder,” Dr. Boduryan-Turner says. Research suggests that low serotonin synthesis capacity may contribute to OCD, but more studies are needed to fully understand the neurotransmitter’s role in the disorder. 

Treating OCD

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that it takes 14–17 years, on average, to get a proper OCD diagnosis after symptom onset. This might be because it takes years for people to recognize their OCD symptoms and seek help. Getting a proper diagnosis is key because though OCD cannot be cured, it can be managed effectively with medication and psychotherapy.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac (fluoxetine) and Lexapro (escitalopram), are commonly prescribed to people with OCD. It’s important to be patient and take these medications every day as prescribed, as it can take three to six months before maximum benefit is achieved, according to the University of Florida College of Medicine (UFCM). Fortunately, most people notice some benefits sooner—within eight to 12 weeks, per UFCM. Research shows that discontinuing an antidepressant presents a risk of OCD relapse.

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is also commonly used to help people with OCD manage their anxiety and control their compulsions. Research shows that exposure and response prevention (ERP), a part of CBT, is a highly effective treatment for OCD. In ERP, patients are exposed to their triggers (such as dirt) in a slow, controlled manner. Dr. Boduryan-Turner explains that ERP teaches the brain how to respond differently to obsessions by tolerating the anxiety and discomfort that come with them. 

In addition to medication and psychotherapy, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends relaxation techniques (meditation and yoga, for instance) and support groups for people living with OCD. Even family members and loved ones of people with OCD can find support groups helpful.

RELATED: OCD treatment and medications

Frequently asked questions about OCD

What are the symptoms of OCD?

The main symptoms of OCD are obsessions (repeated, unwanted thoughts) and compulsions (strong urges) that interfere with a person’s quality of life.

How is OCD diagnosed?

An OCD diagnosis involves a thorough medical and family history. Diagnosis also requires discussing a detailed account of symptoms with a healthcare provider, such as your family healthcare provider or mental health professional.

Can you cure OCD?

There is no cure for OCD. However, symptoms can be managed with psychotherapy, medication, or both.