Stages of obsessive-compulsive disorder

OCD often follows a pattern over time. It can start gradually and may vary between mild and severe periods.

Early stage

Occasional intrusive thoughts and small rituals, such as extra checking before leaving. The person may hide them. Symptoms may seem to be manageable, but anxiety slowly rises.

Established stage

Rituals take more time, fears become more intense, and avoidance grows. Daily life, studies, work or relationships begin to suffer. Many people first seek help here, often after years.

Severe stage

Rituals can take many hours a day, leading to problems with working, leaving home and caring for self. Depression and anxiety are common. Family may be pulled into rituals.

Course

OCD tends to wax and wane, often worsening with stress. With treatment, many people improve a great deal. Some are free of symptoms for long periods, though relapse can occur, so follow-up matters.

How doctors rate severity

Psychiatrists use scales such as the Y-BOCS to measure how much time symptoms take, how distressing they are and how much they interfere.

Recovery stage

With therapy and medicines, symptoms reduce and rituals become easier to resist. Continuing practice prevents relapse.

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda describes disorders in stages of build-up and spread of Dosha. This is interpretive.

Remember

Starting treatment early prevents OCD from getting worse. It is never too late to get help.

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.