During a community health survey, which population is most likely to have recently developed symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
Group of answer choices
- Men in their late 30s
- Adolescents of both sexes
- Elderly women
- Women in their early 20s
The correct answer is: Adolescents of both sexes
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Explanation:
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has a bimodal age of onset, but the most common period for initial symptoms is:
- Late childhood to early adolescence (peaking around 10–12 years old).
- A smaller second peak occurs in early adulthood (20s–30s).
Why This Group?
- Neurodevelopmental factors: OCD is linked to prefrontal-striatal-thalamic circuit dysfunction, which often manifests during brain maturation in adolescence.
- Puberty-related hormonal changes may trigger symptoms.
- Early-onset OCD is more common in males, but by adulthood, the sex ratio equalizes.
Why Not the Others?
- Men in late 30s / Women in early 20s: Less typical for new-onset OCD (though adult-onset occurs).
- Elderly women: OCD rarely develops de novo in this group (more likely exacerbation of preexisting symptoms).
Key Insight:
Early intervention in adolescents improves outcomes, as untreated OCD can become chronic.
Thus, adolescents are the most likely group for recent-onset OCD.
