OCD Stats & Science
We're creating resources to help people learn about OCD in the many ways it impacts their own lives—not just what it looks like on paper. You can search our resources to determine when your intrusive thoughts may be related to OCD.
How common is OCD? Here are the real numbers behind this surprisingly common mental health condition & why it's so often misunderstood.
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Understand what it means for a behavior to be considered compulsive, and how to seek help.
By Jill Webb
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Understand the difference between hyperfixation and obsession, how each influences your thoughts and behaviors, and tips for managing them.
By Fjolla Arifi
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Learn how natural remedies and supplements stack up against traditional treatments for managing OCD symptoms.
By Fjolla Arifi
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Learn how winter may impact OCD symptoms and whether light therapy can help alleviate seasonal effects.
By Grant Stoddard
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
What you need to know about whether supplements can really help, according to the research, and the best treatment for OCD.
By Jill Webb
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Discover the steps to getting diagnosed with OCD, the importance of a professional evaluation, and what to expect during the diagnostic process.
By Yusra Shah
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Learn about managing OCD long-term, including treatment options such as therapy and medication.
By Fjolla Arifi
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Let’s dive in and discuss the decision to seek help for OCD—even when we might get by for the time being without it.
By Yusra Shah
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Explore how obsessive thoughts cause distress, leading to compulsive actions for brief relief, and how this cycle continually repeats.
By Fjolla Arifi
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex chronic (or long-term) condition characterized by a cycle of obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are
Reviewed by Michaela McCloud
Have you ever had a thought or image pop up in your head that made you feel anxious, uncomfortable, or even scared? You could be driving past some
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex mental health condition that affects 1 in 40 people. OCD has two main components: obsessions and
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic (or long-term) mental health condition that causes a cycle of obsessions and compulsive mental or
Reviewed by Michaela McCloud
Impulsive thoughts are sudden urges to act without considering consequences. Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, distressing thoughts that arise suddenly,
By Jill Webb
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Women are almost two times more likely to be diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) than men—and their obsessions commonly gravitate towards
By Jill Webb
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
CBD is growing in popularity, but there’s no solid evidence that it effectively treats OCD. While some people turn to CBD, THC, or supplements for relief,
By Yusra Shah
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can fluctuate over time, but certain factors—such as compulsions, trauma, stress, and co-occurring mental
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Many people familiar with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are aware of intrusive thoughts, but the fact is that people living with OCD can also
By Yusra Shah
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
While it’s difficult to predict when or how OCD will worsen, stress, comorbidities and life circumstances can all play a significant role.
By Yusra Shah
Reviewed by Diana Matthiessen, LMSW