Introducing Shame, Self-Diagnosis, and Solidarity: OCD in the Digital Age

A research report about Gen Z's modern OCD journey.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

Described as a debilitating mental health condition, OCD is often misrepresented by outdated data, misunderstood by the public, and misdiagnosed by clinicians. Countless barriers make it harder to access a proper diagnosis and effective treatments. Not to mention, the taboo nature of intrusive thoughts keeps many people from seeking help due to stigma. 

However, over the last ten years, with the rise of digital tools like social media, the OCD journey has changed substantially. While it used to take decades to receive a diagnosis — an average of 14 to 17 years is the statistic commonly echoed in advocacy circles — our report has found this timeline has shortened.

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📊 KEY STATS

⭐️ The average time from symptom onset to diagnosis is 20.54 months 

⭐️ 3.8% of young Americans suffer from OCD (2-4X more than the medical community's estimate of 1-2%)

⭐️ 57% of OCD respondents received mental health education from online sources, and 66% receive it from healthcare professionals

ABOUT MADE OF MILLIONS

Made of Millions Foundation is a global advocacy nonprofit on a mission to change how the world perceives mental health. The organization uses art, media and technology to democratize mental health education, combat stigma, and inspire grassroots change.

ABOUT CULTURE CO-OP

Culture Co-op, the research partner for this study, is a boutique trends and insights agency specializing in generational insights, ethnographic research, and quantitative studies.