Mental Health: Facts & Statistics

OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions).

• OCD afflicts about 3.3 million adult Americans. – National Institute of Mental Health, 1994


• The course of the disease is variable-symptoms may come and go, they may ease over time, or they can grow progressively worse. – National Institute of Mental Health, 1994


• If OCD grows severe enough, it can keep someone from holding down a job or from carrying out normal responsibilities at home. – National Institute of Mental Health, 1994

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