Prevention of obsessive-compulsive disorder

OCD cannot always be prevented, because genes and biology play a part. But early help and healthy habits can reduce its impact and stop it from worsening.

Seek help early

The earlier OCD is treated, the better the outcome. See a doctor when rituals start to take time or cause distress, and for children when rituals or fears affect school or sleep.

Manage stress

• Keep a regular routine for sleep, meals and activity
• Learn relaxation, breathing and mindfulness skills
• Exercise regularly
• Ask for help during major life changes or after a loss

Avoid things that worsen it

• Alcohol, tobacco and drugs
• Excess caffeine
• Late nights and poor sleep

Build healthy responses

• Learn to tolerate uncertainty and imperfect outcomes
• Avoid constant reassurance seeking and checking
• Do not feed rituals, since they make OCD stronger

Family and school

• Respond with kindness and without blame
• Avoid being very strict about cleanliness or perfection
• Talk openly about mental health

Prevent relapse

• Continue therapy skills even when you feel well
• Take medicines as prescribed
• Watch early signs, such as returning rituals, and get help quickly
• Keep follow-up appointments

Pregnancy and after birth

Tell your doctor about any history of OCD, and seek help early for new intrusive thoughts.

Remember

Early help, healthy routines and relapse planning protect long-term recovery.

When to get help

See a psychiatrist or psychologist if thoughts and rituals take more than an hour a day, cause distress or limit your life. Do not stop or replace prescribed medicines with herbs, and do not give herbs or home remedies to children without a paediatrician's advice. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call 112 or Tele-MANAS at 14416 in India.