Obsessive-compulsive disorder natural history, complications and prognosis
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder due to Another Medical Condition |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Abhishek Reddy
Overview
The course of obsessive compulsive disorder is difficult to predict. It is known that stress exacerbates the symptoms of OCD. Untreated over the time OCD can result in clinical depression.
Natural History
OCD tends to have a waxing and waning course.The fact that many individuals do not seek treatment may be due in part to stigma associated with OCD. Another reason for not seeking treatment is because many sufferers of OCD do not realize that what they are suffering from is OCD, mainly because the typical depiction of the disorder in the media and elsewhere only covers a few of the many symptoms of OCD.
Complications
OCD is placed in the anxiety class of mental illness, but like many chronic stress disorders it can lead to clinical depression over time. The constant stress of the condition can cause sufferers to develop a deadening of spirit, a numbing frustration, or sense of hopelessness. OCD's effects on day-to-day life—particularly its substantial consumption of time—can produce difficulties with work, finances and relationships.
Prognosis
Cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral therapy as well as pharmacological treatment is usually the best way to reduce the symptoms of OCD. Anxiety and stress management help in reducing OCD symptoms since OCD symptoms are related to stress.