Until somewhat recently, OCD was thought of as an uncommon, difficult-to-treat condition, but new research has uncoverd some interesting facts. It is now believed that an estimated 2% to 3% of the general population - as many as 5 million Americans will experience symptoms of OCD at some point in their lives. The good news though is that recent research has resulted in additional effective treatments. With the help of dictors and other heathcare professionals, people are now learning to live with and overcome the symptons of OCD. People may wonder how a disorder this common was once considerd rare. A current theory that OCD was widely "underreported" in the past. One reason already mentioned is that the people with OCD may be very troubled by and ashamed of their obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors and do their best to hide their symptoms from family, friends, coworkers, and ever doctors.
