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Epidemiology of obsessive compulsive disorder
1Department of Psychiatry, Brown University Program of Medicine, Providence, R.I.
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|February 1, 1990
Summary
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is far more common than previously thought, affecting 1-2% of the population. This finding, supported by multiple studies, highlights the need for better recognition and diagnosis of this condition.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Previous estimates suggested obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) prevalence was as low as 0.05% in the general population.
- This underestimation was attributed to patient reluctance, professional misrecognition of diverse symptoms, misdiagnosis, and inadequate screening.
- The validity of current diagnostic criteria for OCD is supported by consistent demographic and clinical findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate the prevalence of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in the general population.
- To identify reasons for historical underestimation of OCD prevalence.
- To examine the consistency of OCD's demographic and clinical characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Epidemiology Catchment Area (ECA) survey.
- Corroborated findings with a second, more rigorously designed epidemiologic study.
- Analyzed demographic and clinical characteristics across studies.
Main Results:
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is 50 to 100 times more common than previously believed, with a prevalence of 1-2%.
- OCD is twice as common as schizophrenia or panic disorder in the general population.
- Consistent demographic and clinical features support current diagnostic criteria and suggest relative homogeneity of the disorder.
Conclusions:
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is significantly more prevalent than previously estimated.
- Improved recognition, diagnosis, and screening are crucial for addressing OCD.
- Familial patterns suggest a substantial role for genetic factors in OCD.