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Epidemiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 August 2018

P. E. Bebbington
P. E. Bebbington*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences (Whittington Site), University College London Medical School, Archway Wing, Whittington Hospital, London N19 5NF. Tel: +44 (0) 171 288 3551; Fax: +44 (0) 171 288 3411
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Abstract

Background Although the concept of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has long been established, research diagnostic criteria are relatively recent developments. This is partly because the symptoms of OCD occur in the context of other disorders and it is arguable to what extent they are relatively discrete phenomena.

Method Review of the existing epidemiological surveys based on standardised instruments.

Results Nine population surveys using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule have given data on OCD, with six-month prevalences ranging from 0.7 to 2.1%. The British National Survey of Psychiatric Morbidity based on the CIS – R gave a one-month prevalence of 1% in males and 1.5% in females. Community surveys show an excess of females and emphasise the early age of onset. Minor obsessional symptoms are considerably more common than OCD itself.

Conclusions OCD is fairly rare in the general population, but causes considerable distress to those who suffer from it.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 173 , Issue S35: New perspectives in research and treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder , August 1998 , pp. 2 - 6
Copyright
Copyright © 1998 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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