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OCD Stats & Science

Nearly everyone has heard of OCD, but few truly understand what it is: a potentially debilitating mental illness that consumes people with fear and doubt, often about the things that matter the most to them. Instead, OCD is frequently portrayed as nothing more than a personality quirk in popular media, causing millions to suffer in silence, unaware that their struggle has a name.

Despite prevailing misconceptions and stigma, we actually know a lot about the condition and how it can be properly managed, as OCD has been studied and treated effectively for decades. Unfortunately, most people don’t have access to the right information.

We want to redefine the way OCD is understood around the world by providing accurate, high-quality information from experts in OCD research and treatment. Browse articles covering a wide range of topics in the science and statistics of OCD, from brain chemistry to effective treatment interventions.

Related Articles

Why is it so hard to find an OCD therapist? What experts say

General talk therapy simply doesn't work for OCD, because the condition requires a highly specialized treatment. So why is it so hard to access?

Does mindful breathing help with OCD? What experts say

Mindful breathing has been shown to help ease stress, anxiety and even depression. But can it help with OCD?

What is treatment-resistant OCD, and can I get better?

Even if certain forms of treatment haven't worked for you, there are options to help you get on the path to conquering OCD.

How to find treatment for a child with OCD

How to know if your child’s behaviors could be OCD, and the best way to find the help you need.

Backdoor Spikes: How to deal with sudden OCD episodes

Because OCD is chronic, it’s possible for symptoms to come back from time to time. Here’s what you can do to keep your recovery on track.

How can I get diagnosed with OCD?

Getting an official diagnosis of OCD can take an average of 13 years. But it doesn't have to! Here’s how to know if you may have the condition, and the best way to get the help you need.

Should I switch OCD therapists? How to approach this difficult decision

How can I know when I should switch therapists—and find a better match next time?

Can OCD be Cured?

While obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can’t be cured, it can absolutely be managed, so you can enjoy a life despite your condition.

The most common OCD symptoms in children

OCD can be tricky to spot in kids. Here are the signs to look for, and how to get help.

Which OCD subtypes are in the DSM-5?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder can look very different depending on what subtype you have. Here, an expert explains.

Are there any supplements that can help with OCD?

What you need to know about whether supplements can really help, according to the research, and the best treatment for OCD.

What are ego-dystonic thoughts? How experts use the term

Ego-dystonic thoughts are ones that are out of sync with who you are and what you believe and value, and can be a hallmark of OCD.

Couples therapy for OCD: Does it help?

Therapy has helped couples cope with a number of different mental health conditions, including OCD.

Can service animals help with OCD? What experts say

If you have obsessive-compulsive disorder, having a service animal, along with therapy, can help with your symptoms.

The 10 Most Common Types of OCD

Learn about common subtypes of OCD, from perfectionism OCD to contamination OCD, to relationship OCD.

Does OCD get worse in the winter? An expert weighs in

Research has also found that many mental health conditions may get worse during the winter. Is OCD one of them?

Does OCD make people smart? An OCD therapist weighs in

Scientific studies have debunked this common myth. Let’s look at the reality of OCD and the dangers of attributing “positive” attributes to it.

Should I get help for high-functioning OCD? Advice from an expert

It’s not uncommon for people to feel like their mental health isn’t “bad enough” to warrant help, but that's a dangerous assumption.

Hyperfixation vs. Obsession: What’s the difference?

Learn what a hyperfixation is, what an obsession is, and what the differences are between these often confused experiences.

5 free worksheets for people struggling with OCD, developed by experts

These worksheets focus on support systems, mental compulsions, taboo thoughts, relationship OCD, and identifying core fear(s).

What are the 4 main types of OCD? What experts say

OCD presents in many different ways, but there are common themes that therapists see. Here’s your guide to understanding each one.

Intrusive thoughts vs. Impulsive thoughts: What’s the difference?

These two types of mental phenomenon are often conflated and confused, but they could hardly be more different.

I get disturbing images in my head. Is it OCD?

If you experience particularly disturbing images, you might find yourself wondering: could they be a sign of OCD?

The economic burden of untreated OCD: A Q&A with Naman Kochar

Beneath the surface lie hidden direct and indirect costs, often overlooked in discussions about this debilitating condition.

How does OCD show up in the brain? A Q&A with Dr. Christine Lochner

Post-mortem research reveals new insights into the fascinating relationship between OCD and the brains of those who live with the condition.

Did the pandemic give me OCD? An expert shares his views

Is it reasonable to wonder if the stressors of the pandemic exacerbated or even induced OCD in susceptible people? Let’s dig a bit deeper.

Can you develop OCD all of a sudden? What the experts say

One day, you're going about your life; the next, you're racked with anxiety that can only be relieved with repetitive behaviors or mental rituals. Is it OCD?

What are the most common OCD symptoms in women? A specialist explains

Ongoing research provides insights into the unique symptoms that women with OCD tend to struggle with more often, and why those differences might exist.

How do I know if I have OCD? What experts recommend

Being diagnosed with a condition like OCD can be important, paving the way to recovery. Here's how to tell if you should think about seeking help.

How often is OCD misdiagnosed?

A recent study found that people with OCD live with their symptoms for nearly 13 years before receiving an accurate diagnosis. Here's why.

The most common comorbidities with OCD – What research shows

Most people who have OCD have other mental health conditions. Here’s what you need to know.

Should I get treatment for “mild” OCD? What experts say

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.

The OCD Cycle, visualized: How the condition works

Let's dive into how we move back and forth from obsessions to compulsions and, ultimately, what we can do to break the OCD cycle.

Obsession vs. Compulsion – What’s the difference?

The two defining symptoms of OCD share a close relationship, but learning the difference between them can be key to recovery.

How to identify OCD symptoms in toddlers

If you think your young child might have OCD, it can feel scary and overwhelming, but there is help available—and it’s more accessible than ever.

How common is OCD? Here’s how many people have it

How common is OCD? Here are the real numbers behind this surprisingly common mental health condition & why it's so often misunderstood.

Is it possible to control your thoughts? What experts say

Up to 70,000 thoughts pop into our minds each and every day. Just how well are we actually able to control them?

What makes a behavior compulsive? An OCD expert explains

It's often difficult to recognize when a behavior becomes compulsive. Learn how you can identify these behaviors from Dr. Nicholas Farrell.

10 OCD Instagram Accounts To Follow

For people with OCD, having a supportive community—one that truly understands what it’s like to live with the condition—can make a huge difference.

15 Little-Known Facts About OCD

Dive deeper in your OCD knowledge with info on what OCD really is, common causes, and the very real treatment that will give you your life back.

15 Must-Read OCD Statistics in 2023

Want to really be in the know about OCD? Learn more about how common the disorder is, who’s at risk, and the best treatment for OCD.

Can OCD develop later in life?

If you’re experiencing OCD symptoms later in life, you may be left wondering: Is this really OCD? If so, wouldn’t I have gotten it sooner?

Can mindfulness help me cope with intrusive thoughts?

Mindfulness techniques have been proven to help people manage stress levels, reduce anxiety, and even aid in managing depressive episodes.

What Are the Criteria for an OCD Diagnosis?

OCD affects about 1 in 40 people in the United States—but it’s more than just hand washing or door closing. Here’s your go-to OCD symptoms checklist.

Can a hormone imbalance cause intrusive thoughts?

An imbalance in hormone levels can cause or exacerbate a wide range of mental health symptoms—including intrusive thoughts.

Do any natural remedies help with OCD? What experts say

People often turn to natural remedies as an alternative or complementary approach to conventional treatments. But do any help with OCD?

Can OCD cause you to dissociate?

Learn about the potential connection between OCD and dissociative experiences, and how treating OCD as the root cause can reduce their frequency.

Is OCD more common in men or women?

Family history, traumatic events, and brain chemistry are several factors that impact the development of OCD. But what about gender?

Is OCD considered a mental illness?

Demystify OCD. Learn if it's classified as a mental illness and gain clarity on this common misconception.

Why OCD can cause a groinal response—and what you can do about it

Learn about the association between OCD and groinal response, and access practical strategies to regain control over your life.

Can OCD Be Genetic?

Learn about the role of genes in OCD, how they interact with environmental factors, and what you can do to manage symptoms.

Is OCD considered a disability? Here’s what experts say

Does OCD qualify as a disability? Get expert insight on accommodations & potential downsides of labeling OCD a disability.

Can Virtual Reality Exposures be used to treat OCD?

Discover how VR enhances ERP therapy for OCD. Explore benefits and latest research with expert insights. Improve OCD treatment with VR.

OCD and TMS: An Effective Treatment Option?

Is TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) an effective treatment option for OCD? Learn how it works, potential side effects, and more.

Does OCD Involve a Chemical Imbalance?

Is OCD caused by a chemical imbalance? We explore the theory and its evidence, as well as alternative explanations for the neurobiological basis of OCD.

Are people with OCD considered neurodivergent?

Is OCD considered neurodivergent? This article delves into the concept of neurodiversity and its implications on treatment approaches for OCD

Can you “grow out of” OCD?

Discover if people can grow out of OCD and if periods of symptom remission can lead to long-term remission. Get expert insights on OCD management from NOCD.

Is OCD an Anxiety Disorder?

OCD and Anxiety: Better understand OCD and anxiety disorders, how they are related, anxiety's role in OCD, and more.

Why is my OCD getting worse?

Often, when a member begins exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, things can seem to get worse before they get better.

What Causes Intrusive Thoughts?

Intrusive thoughts seem to pop into our minds out of nowhere. Learn what causes intrusive thoughts and to best overcome them.

Do intrusive thoughts mean anything?

Is it normal to have intrusive thoughts? Learn what intrusive thoughts are, and what they do (and don't) mean.