Lifetime Prevalence of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
The lifetime prevalence of OCD is 2-3% globally, making it one of the most prevalent mental disorders. 1
Epidemiological Data
The prevalence figures are based on rigorous community surveys using operational diagnostic criteria, which revealed that OCD is far more common than initially believed:
- Lifetime prevalence: 2-3% across most regions, though rates vary geographically 1, 2
- 12-month prevalence: ranges from 0.1% to 3.0% depending on the country, with a median of 0.7% across European nations 2
- The 12-month prevalence approaches the lifetime prevalence in many studies, indicating that OCD follows a highly persistent chronic course once it develops 3
Recent Cross-National Data
A 2025 World Mental Health survey across 10 countries found a combined lifetime prevalence of 4.1%, with 12-month prevalence of 3.0%, suggesting even higher rates than previously estimated 3. This higher figure may reflect improved diagnostic criteria and recognition of the disorder.
Key Demographic Patterns
Gender distribution:
- OCD is more common in females than males in community epidemiological studies 1, 2
- Clinical samples show a more even gender ratio, but this does not reflect true population prevalence 4
Age of onset:
- Nearly 25% of males have onset before age 10, while females typically experience onset during adolescence 1, 5
- The highest risk period for lifetime onset is ages 18-29 years 1, 5
- More than 80% of OCD cases begin by early adulthood 3
Clinical Significance and Burden
The disorder carries substantial morbidity:
- 65.3% of 12-month cases report severe role impairment on the Sheehan Disability Scale 1, 5
- Affected individuals experience an average of 45.7 days out of role per year 1, 5
- 90% of patients with lifetime OCD meet criteria for another lifetime psychiatric disorder, most commonly anxiety disorders, mood disorders, impulse-control disorders, and substance use disorders 1, 5
- Increased mortality has been documented in OCD populations 1, 5
Treatment Gap
Despite the high prevalence and severe impairment, OCD remains significantly undertreated:
- Only 30.9% of severe cases receive treatment specifically for OCD in high-income countries 1
- Treatment rates are much lower in low- and middle-income countries at 7.0% compared to 40.5% in high-income countries 3
- Overall, only 19.8% of respondents with OCD received any mental health treatment in the past year across surveyed countries 3
Important Clinical Caveat
A common pitfall is misdiagnosing OCD with absent insight as a psychotic disorder 2. The prevalence figures discussed here reflect proper diagnostic classification according to DSM criteria, where obsessions and compulsions must cause marked distress, consume significant time (>1 hour/day), or substantially interfere with functioning 5.