EPIDEMIOLOGY OF OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER

Background Although the concept of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has long been established, research diagnostic criteria are relativel y recent developments. This is partly because the symptoms of OCD occu r in the context oi 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 Nin e population surveys using the Diagnostic interview Schedule have give n data on OCD, with six-month prevalences ranging from 0.7 to 2.1%. Th e 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. Comm unity surveys show an excess of females and emphasise the early age of onset, Minor obsessional symptoms are considerably more common than O CD itself. Conclusions OCD is fairly rare in the general population, b ut causes considerable distress to those who suffer from it.