Untreated OCD can take a toll on your mental and physical well-being. Obsessive thoughts can make it extremely difficult or even impossible to concentrate. They can cause you to spend hours engaged in unnecessary mental or physical activity and can greatly decrease your quality of life.

Can you live with untreated OCD?

If left untreated, OCD can worsen to the point that the sufferer develops physical problems, becomes unable to function, or experiences suicidal thoughts. About 1% of OCD sufferers die by suicide.

Can OCD go away on its own?

OCD tends not to go away on its own and without treatment it is likely to persist into adulthood. In fact, many adults who receive a diagnosis of OCD report that some symptoms started during childhood.

Does OCD ever fully go away?

Some people with OCD can be completely cured after treatment. Others may still have OCD, but they can enjoy significant relief from their symptoms. Treatments typically employ both medication and lifestyle changes including behavior modification therapy.

Is OCD just cleaning?

Cleaning, washing hands, and organizing can indeed be a part of OCD for some people. Contamination OCD can involve worrying about germs or sickness, feeling “dirty” physically or mentally, and having a compulsion to clean or wash items excessively.