Roughly 3% of the global population will experience obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) at some point in their lives—with higher rates seen in countries with a lower Socio-demographic Index (SDI)—according to a study in the American Journal of Psychiatry. This global analysis also examined rates of hoarding disorder, excoriation disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, and trichotillomania.Why It’s Relevant
Although OCD and related disorders represent a significant public health concern because of their chronic course and substantial symptom burden, global estimates of these disorders are limited. Knowing the prevalence of these conditions can inform allocation of resources for research, diagnosis, and treatment.
By the Numbers
- Researchers analyzed data from 112 studies across 49 countries spanning six continents and four different diagnostic criteria.
- The global lifetime prevalence of OCD was estimated at 2.57% according to ICD-10 criteria, 3.10% according to DSM-III criteria, 2.28% according to DSM-IV criteria, and 3.21% according to DSM-5 criteria.
- The prevalence of OCD increased sharply during the teen years and peaked around age 30—at nearly 6%.
- Based on ICD-10 criteria, the highest regional prevalence of OCD was observed in North Africa/Middle East (4.53%) and the lowest was observed in Central Europe (1.50%). Nationally, the highest prevalence was observed in Benin (9.42%) and the lowest was observed in Taiwan (0.40%).
What’s More
Depending on country and criteria, the prevalence of hoarding disorder was 0.98% to 5.81%; the prevalence of excoriation disorder was 2.33% to 7.68%; the prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder was 0.44% to 15.21%; and the prevalence of trichotillomania was 0.0% to 2.12%.
The Other Side
Although the analysis included studies from 49 countries, certain geographic regions were underrepresented, such as tropical Latin America. Also, the analysis included relatively few studies using DSM-5 and none based on ICD-11, which may limit the ability to characterize recent epidemiological patterns.
Takeaway Message
“Although this study advances understanding of the epidemiology of OCD, substantial data gaps remain, particularly for [OCD-related disorders] and in underrepresented regions,” the researchers wrote. “Strengthening global surveillance and ensuring diagnostic standardization should be prioritized in future research.”
Related Information
Source
Yi Deun Jeong, et al. Global prevalence of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders: a systematic review and modeling study. American Journal of Psychiatry. Published online July 8, 2026. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.20250944
(Image: Getty Images/iStock/Professor25)
