Prediction of outcome after behavioural psychotherapy was determined in 178 outpatients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. For women (n = 103), factors significantly associated with good outcome included paid employment at time of assessment, having a co-therapist and low initial ratings on global phobia, work and home activity impairment and the compulsion checklist. In men, the only factor to approach statistical significance as a predictor of outcome was solitary abode, associated with "less improved" status.