OCD statistics 2025

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic and often debilitating mental health condition marked by unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or rituals (compulsions). 

Understanding its prevalence and impact helps highlight the importance of early diagnosis, accessible treatment and greater societal awareness. This page summarises some key facts and figures about OCD from leading government organisations, charities and research into the condition.

Prevalence and demographics

• An estimated 750,000 people in the UK are currently living with OCD – that equates to 12 in 10,000 or around 1.2% of the population. [1]
• The disorder is thought to affect 1-4% of the population at some point in their lifetime. [2] 
• Gender does not seem to play a significant role in who is affected by OCD. [2]
• OCD is number five in the six most common mental health disorders in England (alongside depression, generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorders and phobias). [3]
• The point at which OCD starts to become problematic (requiring treatment) happens during late adolescence for men and during their early twenties for women, on average. [1]
• While 25% of cases start by age 14, children as young as six may be affected. Onset after the age of 35 years is unusual but does occur. [1]
• Half of all OCD cases are classed as severe, while fewer than 25% are mild. [4]

Impact on health services

• World Health Organization (WHO)’s ‘Depression and other common mental disorders’ report, list anxiety disorders (of which OCD is one) as the sixth largest contributor to non-fatal health loss globally. [5]
• While the annual direct healthcare cost of OCD is estimated to be £378 million, the societal cost is considerably higher, valued at £4.7 billion annually. [6]
• OCD is widely under-diagnosed and under-reported, partly due to stigma and lack of public understanding. [7]

People seeking professional treatment 

• The NICE Guidelines for the treatment of OCD suggest that the most effective first-line treatments are CBT (especially ERP) and SSRIs [8], recommending patients be offered a choice of CBT and/or medication [9]
• Around 18-34% of women with OCD may also meet the criteria for disordered eating [10]
• Suicidal thoughts occur at some point in up to 50% of people with OCD and suicidal attempts are reported in up to 25% [11]

Occupation/workplace

• A study of over 15,000 people with OCD found they had significantly higher rates of sickness absence, disability pension and long-term unemployment compared with their siblings and the general population [12]
• On average, each person with OCD lost £483 of weekly income, contributing to an estimated three years' worth of income loss over a lifetime [5]
• Presenteeism is a major factor for people with OCD in the workplace. The resulting reduced work performance raises the societal cost to £10.7 billion [6]
• A 2025 study of 385 children being treated for OCD found 21.6% had partial or no school attendance at intake and 10.5% still had impaired attendance post-treatment [13]

Family history

• The causes of OCD are unclear. However, research suggests there is an increased likelihood for both identical twins to be affected than both fraternal twins, indicating there may be a genetic component [14]
• Environmental influences, including childhood trauma and parental mental health, may also play a significant role [14]
• Pregnant and postpartum women are more likely to experience OCD compared to the general population [14].