Story perspectives

Young Adults' OCD Symptoms Triple Amid Societal Pressures

10/24/2025

35 5

Summary

Story summary

The number of young adults in England reporting obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms has tripled over the last decade, making OCD the second-most common mental health disorder.
Experts attribute the rise to societal pressures, including financial and educational issues, exacerbated by social media and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Many young people struggle to access effective NHS treatment, with average referral times for specialist care reaching 41 weeks.

1 of 1

Story summary

The number of young adults in England reporting obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms has tripled over the last decade, making OCD the second-most common mental health disorder.
Experts attribute the rise to societal pressures, including financial and educational issues, exacerbated by social media and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Many young people struggle to access effective NHS treatment, with average referral times for specialist care reaching 41 weeks.