Is OCD Curable?

What Is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition marked by intrusive thoughts, known as obsessions, and completing repetitive behaviors, known as compulsions, in response to these obsessions. Roughly 2-3% of the U.S. population experience symptoms of OCD.¹

OCD symptoms typically emerge between eight to 12 years old or late adolescence to early adulthood.² With OCD, there is often a delay between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis (roughly a 12-year gap).³ Family history of OCD and exposure to childhood trauma are possible risk factors for this disorder.⁴

OCD is characterized by:

• Obsessions: Obsessions are recurring, unwanted, and uncontrollable intrusive thoughts that cause distress and anxiety.
• Compulsions: OCD compulsions are repetitive behaviors someone with OCD feels driven to perform to reduce the distress of obsessions, possibly as observable or mental compulsions.

Can OCD Be Cured?

There is no known cure for OCD, despite numerous treatment options aimed at decreasing symptoms of OCD.⁵ Symptoms of OCD tend to wax and wane over time, meaning an individual may experience periods of minimal symptom exhibition. However, OCD is a persistent chronic disorder even when symptoms seem to decrease.

OCD is treatable, and recent studies indicate that 20% of individuals who receive treatment appear to achieve long-term remission from OCD symptoms.⁵ Even for those who achieved remission, some OCD symptoms were still present but not to a clinically significant degree.

A shorter duration between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis of OCD may lead to improved functioning and less severe OCD symptoms.³ Therefore, receiving diagnosis and treatment early on can lead to a better prognosis in managing symptoms. While OCD does not “go away,” treatment for OCD can remarkably reduce symptoms, allowing individuals to lead happy, healthy lives.

Prognosis of OCD

OCD is a chronic or lifelong condition.^6,7 However, children and adolescents often experience better treatment outcomes than those treated in adulthood.⁷ Symptoms can worsen or lessen over time depending on treatment, life events, and other factors.

Several things can worsen OCD symptoms, such as elevated stress levels, significant life changes, trauma, or a co-occurring mental health condition. Even though OCD is a permanent condition, there may be periods when symptoms decrease, especially with treatment.

What Causes OCD?

OCD appears to have a genetic factor, particularly when individuals have immediate family members with OCD.⁴ Researchers have also explored environmental factors, such as birth complications and exposure to traumatic events, as risk factors for the condition.⁸ Neuroimaging has also observed possible differences in the brains of those with OCD.

Causes of OCD may include:

• Genetics: Genes may play a role in OCD, especially if a parent or sibling has the disorder. Genetics are not the only cause for having OCD, and protective factors may mediate this risk.
• Environmental factors: Different environmental factors may correlate with OCD, such as birth complications, traumatic events, or life stressors.
• Brain differences: Neuroimaging research suggests that impaired communication between the front part of the brain and deeper structures may affect individuals with OCD. Neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, may also be impacted.⁹

Treatment for OCD

A comprehensive OCD treatment plan typically involves working with a therapist and/or medication management. The frontline treatment for OCD is exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), which has been shown to benefit 70% of individuals with OCD.¹⁰

Providers may also recommend medication in combination with therapy to manage symptoms. Psychiatric medication can help mitigate the distress produced by obsessive thoughts.

Treatment options for OCD may include:

• Exposure and response prevention (ERP): Exposure therapy for OCD involves exposing individuals to the feared obsession without engaging in compulsive behaviors. While working with a therapist, clients create a hierarchy to guide sessions, typically starting with a lower distress exposure and working up to higher distress exposures.
• Medications: OCD medications often include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)*, also called antidepressants. Luvox, Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil may help reduce certain symptoms.¹¹
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT for OCD emphasizes the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Therapists help clients break the link between obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): ACT focuses on psychological flexibility and encourages clients to explore alternative ways to respond to the distress caused by obsessive thoughts.
• Mindfulness-based CBT (MBCT): MBCT emphasizes allowing intrusive thoughts to pass without judgment or acting on them. By taking an observational stance on these obsessions, the drive to use compulsions can decrease.
• Eye movement desensitization and response therapy (EMDR): EMDR for OCD can be beneficial if the onset of symptoms traces back to a stressful or traumatic event. EMDR works to desensitize and reprocess prior traumatic events contributing to present-day distress, therefore reducing symptoms of OCD.

*This medication has a black box warning, the most serious kind of warning from the FDA for a risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. You should talk with your doctor about these risks before starting this medication.

How to Manage Symptoms of OCD

Discovering that OCD is uncurable can be anxiety-provoking. However, you can decrease your symptoms and improve your ability to function with treatment and self-help tools. There is hope for a future where your OCD is manageable.

Here are six ways to manage OCD symptoms:

1. Self Educate

While you cannot treat OCD on your own, an initial step to symptoms management is learning more about OCD. Looking up symptoms, possible causes, and treatment options can be beneficial. Depending on the type of OCD, the content of your obsessions and compulsions may center on a specific theme. Identifying the type of OCD you have can help you learn about challenges and strengths within your subtype.

2. Develop a Treatment Team

Finding a trusted treatment team specializing in OCD is essential, and a combination of both medication and therapy is the most effective approach. Look for a therapist who can provide evidence-based treatment for OCD.

Some people may also work with family therapists if OCD symptoms significantly impact the family unit. Group therapy is also an option. Either way, ensure everyone in your treatment team is in contact with each other to collaborate and provide you with the best care.

3. Apply What You’re Learning From Treatment

Once you start therapy or medication, follow your providers’ recommendations. Most therapists, particularly those using ERP, will assign you homework activities to complete outside of sessions. Completing these tasks is crucial to decreasing your OCD symptoms.

Compliance with medications is important as well. Taking your prescriptions as advised by your psychiatrist and continuing to do so throughout treatment will provide the most efficacy.

4. Build a Support Network

Having a support network can be beneficial throughout OCD treatment. Research has indicated that an empathetic and positive support system leads to long-lasting gains from treatment.¹² Therefore, building a network of people who provide positive support is essential.

After educating yourself on OCD symptoms, consider disclosing this information to your support system (if you are comfortable doing so). You can also ask individuals in your support network, such as a significant other or family member, to accompany you in your treatment. Their added support can help you address any difficulties OCD may be causing in your relationships.

5. Join a Support Group

Finding a support group of others who can relate to your experiences can be beneficial and validating. Hearing other members’ stories and coping strategies can provide a sense of community, support, and a reminder that you’re not alone.

6. Keep Your Goals In Mind

As mentioned previously, treatment of OCD is an ongoing process, and sometimes you may feel discouraged. Treatment may feel overwhelming, especially during the initial stages. Keep your long-term goals in mind during these times. Refocusing on what you want to accomplish and gain from your treatment can help you keep going when things feel tough.

When to Seek Professional Support

Symptoms can worsen if OCD is left untreated. If your condition impacts your ability to perform daily tasks, work, and have fulfilling relationships, consider seeking treatment. An online therapist directory allows you to filter providers based on specialty, location, and insurance. You are not alone, and help is available to get you started in symptom management.

In My Experience

In my experience, I have found that seeking therapy to help with OCD can be highly beneficial. Although there is no cure for OCD, there is hope for a future where your OCD doesn’t rule your life. Building a support network, finding a treatment team, and continuing to take steps to manage your symptoms are all beneficial.