ABSTRACT
Formerly thought to be a rare disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is now considered to afflict more than 500,000 individuals in the United States. Epidemiological data suggest a 6-month prevalence of 1% to 2% (Myers et al., 1984) and a lifetime prevalence of 2% to 3% (Karno, Golding, Sorenson & Burnam, 1988; Robins, Helzer, Weissman, & Orvaschel, 1984). Just more than half of those with OCD are female (Rasmussen & Tsuang, 1986). Age of onset of the disorder ranges from early adolescence to young adulthood, with somewhat earlier onset in males (modal onset 13-15 years old) than in females (modal onset 20-24 years old; Rasmussen & Eisen, 1990). Development of the disorder is usually gradual, but acute onset has been reported. Chronic waxing and waning of fymptoms is typical; however, episodic and deteriorating courses have been observed in about 10% of patients (Rasmussen & Eisen, 1989).
