Will My OCD Just Go Away On Its Own?
Many individuals wonder if their intrusive thoughts, compulsions, or scrupulosity will improve over time. Unfortunately, the short answer is likely no. Unlike depression and anxiety, which can often subside with changes in life circumstances, OCD is a complex brain processing issue that typically requires treatment for alleviation.
For effective management of OCD, many individuals find it necessary to engage in regular therapy, practice mindfulness routines and activities, manage medication, and utilize habit reversal techniques. During periods of stress or lack of sleep, OCD symptoms can worsen, underscoring the importance of treatment. If left unmanaged, OCD symptoms can escalate throughout an individual's life, and in some cases, cognitive decline associated with aging can exacerbate these symptoms.
Fortunately, treatment can be highly effective, and some individuals with OCD experience periods of "remission." If you suspect that you have OCD, it is crucial to seek professional treatment. Various types of therapy, techniques, medications, and potential entheogenic plant treatments are available. Ketamine Assisted Therapy is a legal option currently, but other plant medicines show promise in research. Finding the right combination of treatments may involve some trial and error and time, but there is significant hope for healing.