Prevalence of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Global Insights

If you worry too much about your health, are afraid of dirt or contamination, or just about anything at all, it is a sign that you have an Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

So, what is OCD and why does it affect so many people?

OCD affects an estimated 1% of the world’s population. It may appear like a small percentage at first, but it equates to approximately 70 million human beings. Studies show that in the United States alone, there are around three million individuals who suffer from OCD.

Who tops the global chart?

It looks like China has not yet dismounted on its top one standing for OCD sufferers worldwide. A total of 1.63% of the Chinese population has indications of this affliction. An estimated 1.72% of this total afflicts females while males are on a 1.1% level.

The record shows that in India, another populous country, it has reached a 0.9% level. The most prevalent obsessive themes involved in this country lean toward taboo thoughts. Compulsive responses are pervasive in mental rituals.

Overall, women are topping the list in different parts of the world.

OCD Simplified

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or OCD, is a persistent condition characterised by recurring and uncontrollable thoughts or obsessions. The person who experiences it owns up to repetitive behaviors or compulsions.

Patients who have OCD may engage in compulsions obsessions, or both. There are time-consuming symptoms that lead to quite a significant amount of anguish. Subsequently, it could interfere with one’s daily life.

Symptoms of OCD

Many people suffer from OCD, and it strikes people in different ways. Some symptoms may include fear of contamination and a need to arrange things in order and symmetrically. Sufferers experience unwanted thoughts and doubt other people or events. The list does not stop there.

Inherent compulsive behaviors may relieve anxiety for a while. However, the anxiety and obsession factor may return which circles back to square one. Take the case of compulsive gamblers. Once the treatment of gambling compulsion is halfway through and there's a friend who gambles beside the afflicted, the urge comes back again.

This is because there are friends who still gamble and these are people they are in close association with. Unless there is a will to stop, the gambling cycle will continue. Next time you see the one who is afflicted by this compulsion, he's back to clicking non gamstop UK sites.

Getting the needed help

OCD does not cure on its own but there are treatments and support that family and friends are ready to suggest. These can help manage the symptoms of those who suffer from it. Hence, NHS has talking therapies, and you can find one in your locality. Talking it out with a general practitioner can also help.

Other types of treatment are cognitive behavioural therapy which can be conducted by specialists in this field. Cutting-edge treatments are also available. Therefore, there is a need to scrutinise the one who has this illness to make sure that the treatment is apt.

(Devdiscourse's journalists were not involved in the production of this article. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of Devdiscourse and Devdiscourse does not claim any responsibility for the same.)