Obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD is a commonly used, and perhaps overused term these days.
In entertainment, several television characters who have OCD tend to be male.
Consider popular characters Sheldon Cooper from “Big Bang Theory” and Adrian Monk from “Monk.”
However, more women have OCD than men, and it affects them very differently.
Men usually get OCD symptoms earlier in life, some even in childhood, before 10 years old.
In women, OCD commonly manifests as issues with contamination and being clean.
They may fear germs and dirt as well as be afraid of getting sick and havehypochondriacal symptoms.
Women often experience compulsions to clean surfaces and their bodies.
These OCD patterns are also heavily associated with eating disorders.
In fact, women experience OCD almost 50% more than men.
Additionally, younger people tend to be diagnosed with OCD more often than older people.
This is especially true if your parents have the condition.
Another cause of OCD may be a clue as to why it tends to affect women more.
However, the hormonal fluctuations that occur in cisgender women contribute to existing anxiety and depression.
OCD may worsen during menstruation and during pregnancy.
Giving birth can also be a precursor as many develop OCD in the postpartum period.
Additionally, going through trauma, assault, and domestic violence are other common causes.
