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OCD Stats & Science

Nearly everyone has heard of OCD, but few truly understand what it is: a potentially debilitating mental illness that consumes people with fear and doubt, often about the things that matter the most to them. Instead, OCD is frequently portrayed as nothing more than a personality quirk in popular media, causing millions to suffer in silence, unaware that their struggle has a name.

Despite prevailing misconceptions and stigma, we actually know a lot about the condition and how it can be properly managed, as OCD has been studied and treated effectively for decades. Unfortunately, most people don’t have access to the right information.

We want to redefine the way OCD is understood around the world by providing accurate, high-quality information from experts in OCD research and treatment. Browse articles covering a wide range of topics in the science and statistics of OCD, from brain chemistry to effective treatment interventions.

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15 Must-Read OCD Statistics in 2023

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Can OCD develop later in life?

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Can mindfulness help me cope with intrusive thoughts?

Mindfulness techniques have been proven to help people manage stress levels, reduce anxiety, and even aid in managing depressive episodes.

What Are the Criteria for an OCD Diagnosis?

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Can a hormone imbalance cause intrusive thoughts?

An imbalance in hormone levels can cause or exacerbate a wide range of mental health symptoms—including intrusive thoughts.

Do any natural remedies help with OCD? What experts say

People often turn to natural remedies as an alternative or complementary approach to conventional treatments. But do any help with OCD?

Can OCD cause you to dissociate?

Learn about the potential connection between OCD and dissociative experiences, and how treating OCD as the root cause can reduce their frequency.

Is OCD more common in men or women?

Family history, traumatic events, and brain chemistry are several factors that impact the development of OCD. But what about gender?

Is OCD considered a mental illness?

Demystify OCD. Learn if it's classified as a mental illness and gain clarity on this common misconception.

Why OCD can cause a groinal response—and what you can do about it

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Can OCD Be Genetic?

Learn about the role of genes in OCD, how they interact with environmental factors, and what you can do to manage symptoms.

Is OCD considered a disability? Here’s what experts say

Does OCD qualify as a disability? Get expert insight on accommodations & potential downsides of labeling OCD a disability.

Can Virtual Reality Exposures be used to treat OCD?

Discover how VR enhances ERP therapy for OCD. Explore benefits and latest research with expert insights. Improve OCD treatment with VR.

How Many People Have OCD?

How common is OCD? Unveil the real numbers behind this mental health condition & why it's often misunderstood. Get expert insights

OCD and TMS: An Effective Treatment Option?

Is TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) an effective treatment option for OCD? Learn how it works, potential side effects, and more.

Does OCD Involve a Chemical Imbalance?

Is OCD caused by a chemical imbalance? We explore the theory and its evidence, as well as alternative explanations for the neurobiological basis of OCD.

Are people with OCD considered neurodivergent?

Is OCD considered neurodivergent? This article delves into the concept of neurodiversity and its implications on treatment approaches for OCD

Can you “grow out of” OCD?

Discover if people can grow out of OCD and if periods of symptom remission can lead to long-term remission. Get expert insights on OCD management from NOCD.

Is OCD an Anxiety Disorder?

OCD and Anxiety: Better understand OCD and anxiety disorders, how they are related, anxiety's role in OCD, and more.

Why is my OCD getting worse?

Often, when a member begins exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, things can seem to get worse before they get better.

What Causes Intrusive Thoughts?

Intrusive thoughts seem to pop into our minds out of nowhere. Learn what causes intrusive thoughts and to best overcome them.

Do intrusive thoughts mean anything?

Is it normal to have intrusive thoughts? Learn what intrusive thoughts are, and what they do (and don't) mean.