Who Gets OCD the Most?

OCD can affect anyone, but it most often begins in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. It appears across all cultures, races, and income levels. Overall, men and women are affected at similar rates, though boys are slightly more likely to develop OCD in childhood, and women may be diagnosed more often in adulthood. Having a close relative with OCD or related anxiety conditions increases risk. People with certain personality traits, such as high responsibility, perfectionism, or a strong need for control, may be more vulnerable. Stressful life events, chronic stress, or medical factors can also play a role in triggering symptoms in someone who is already genetically or biologically predisposed.