Who is affected by obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common anxiety disorder that affects 2% to 3% of the general population (millions of people worldwide).¹

• OCD usually begins during late adolescence or early adulthood.
• One-third of those with OCD report that their first symptoms began before the age of 15.²
• OCD occurs equally in males and females.
• OCD usually starts earlier in males than in females. (It is possible for preschool children to develop OCD, although this is rare.)³
  • Males most often develop OCD between the ages of 6 and 15.
  • Females usually develop OCD between the ages of 20 and 29.
  • OCD is found in people from all ethnic backgrounds.
  • OCD occurs more often in people who have parents or siblings (first-degree family members) with OCD.^{3, 4}

Author:	Sabra L. Katz-Wise	Last Updated: July 27, 2006
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry
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