The epidemiology and cross-national presentation of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Epidemiologic data on obsessive-compulsive disorder from different parts of the world using similar methods and diagnostic criteria previously were unavailable. Data on lifetime and annual prevalence rates, age at onset, symptom profiles, and comorbidity of obsessive-compulsive disorder are reviewed using DSM-III criteria from community surveys in seven countries. The annual prevalence rates are remarkably consistent among these countries, ranging from 1.1/100 population in Korea and New Zealand to 1.8/100 population in Puerto Rico, with the exception of Taiwan (0.4/100 population). Also reviewed are findings from studies of adolescents and evidence suggestive of an association between obsessive-compulsive disorder and some movement disorders.