Obsessive-compulsive disorder in the World Mental Health surveys

Area of Science:

• Global Mental Health
• Psychiatry
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is recognized as prevalent and impairing.
• Cross-national data on OCD prevalence, course, and treatment remain scarce, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the onset, course, severity, and treatment of OCD across diverse global regions.
• To investigate predictors of OCD onset, persistence, severity, and treatment.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from World Mental Health surveys in 10 countries (6 high-income, 4 LMICs).
• Assessed 26,136 adults via face-to-face interviews for lifetime and 12-month prevalence, age of onset, persistence, severity (Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale), and treatment.
• Examined socio-demographic variables and prior mental disorders as potential predictors.

Main Results:

• Combined lifetime OCD prevalence was 4.1%, with a 12-month prevalence of 3.0%, indicating persistence.
• Onset typically occurs in adolescence or early adulthood; most cases are mild to moderate.
• Only 19.8% received treatment, significantly lower in LMICs (7.0%) compared to high-income countries (HICs) (40.5%).

Conclusions:

• OCD is a significant public health concern, often overlooked and undertreated globally.
• Early diagnosis and comprehensive comorbidity evaluation are critical clinical strategies.
• Addressing treatment disparities in LMICs is essential for improving global OCD outcomes.