What is the Prognosis for Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders?

Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum disorders cause distress for many people – with the obsessive thoughts and damaging compulsions causing a vicious cycle to ensue, leading to an individual to struggle with their day-to-day life.

But the good news is that help is available, with the prognosis for each Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum disorder deemed to be good. With effective treatment, most people with an Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum disorder should recover fully.

What is the Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum?

Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum: The Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum consists of a range of conditions that share the hallmark of obsessive and compulsive behaviours. An obsession is an unwanted and unpleasant thought, doubt, image or urge that repeatedly enters a person’s mind. A compulsion is a repetitive action that the person then carries out to temporarily relieve the anxiety brought on by the obsession. There are many conditions that fall into this category – with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) the most well-known.

The impact of different types of Obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders

There are a few different conditions within the Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum. The most well-known of these is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder – better known as OCD.

The other conditions in this category are Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Hoarding Disorder, Excoriation Disorder, Trichotillomania and Primarily Obsessional OCD. The prognosis for all of these conditions is good, though this is dependent on certain factors.

The importance of seeking treatment

Certainly, the key factor is accessing treatment. Without treatment, Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum disorders will rarely get better on their own. In fact, there is very little that can be done to break the vicious cycle seen in these disorders without effective treatment.

Over time, anxiety is likely to heighten, and an individual will likely develop Depression due to their dismay at the impact their obsessions and compulsions have on their life.

But treatment should circumvent this, and provide relief. Talking therapy, especially Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – is the primary method of treatment. CBT can help show an individual the link between their thoughts, feelings and actions – which should help them identify the harmful traits causing their issues.

Moreover, healthier coping mechanisms for stress can be taught, which can help in the long-term management of negative experiences.

Another important factor is how the individual with the condition needs to enter treatment with a positive mindset and persist with treatment.

It can seem quite overwhelming at first, with issues like changing long-term habits, or overcoming past traumas that may have caused the condition proving difficult to process. But it will be worthwhile in the long-term.

Medication

Antidepressant medication can also be used to supplement the therapy too, if required. There are many different classes of antidepressants. Antidepressants often lessen the severity of the intrusive thoughts, restore energy, and increase motivation.

This combination should give an individual an increased chance of recovering. However, they aren’t for everyone, and can take several weeks to take effect.

They will also need to be taken for a few months after the cessation of symptoms – with this done to try and prevent relapse.

Negative factors

But the prognosis isn’t all positive. One study found that despite treatment, symptoms commonly persist and cause disruption [1]. Some people find that symptoms may persist forever, and that they purely have to find a way of adjusting their life to cater for their symptoms.

Not everyone is able to recover fully from an Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum disorder. The metaphorical scars left too from conditions like Trichotillomania and Excoriation Disorder can prove difficult to overcome.

Another stumbling block is the work that needs to be done to try and cultivate change. Some people have certain routines and rituals ingrained in them – making it difficult for them to change long-standing habits.

This may be especially rife in cases of Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Hoarding Disorder – especially if they have been behaviours practiced since childhood. Accessing treatment early should help to obviate this issue.

Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum disorders can also be linked to suicidal ideation. Many people with these conditions have suicidal thoughts. This may be more of an issue if the individual develops Depression.

Each Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum disorder can be linked to suicidal thoughts, especially when they have a serious impact on the day-to-day life of an individual. Body Dysmorphic Disorder is particularly linked to suicide, and can be difficult to overcome [2].

Stigma

Finally, the last issue facing those with an Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum disorder is the stigma surrounding these conditions.

OCD especially is one of the most misunderstood conditions in the world. Many people appear to think that when someone has a tidy desk, that it qualifies them for a diagnosis of OCD.

This is far from true, and trivialising these conditions has a very damaging effect on individuals with these disorders. It often leads them to doubt their own need to access treatment.

These conditions are very real, and are a medical disorder that require treatment. Getting this treatment is crucial.

Summary

Overall, Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum disorders are difficult conditions to live with. But treatment will lead to recovery for many. Talking therapy has helped many people overcome their problems, while medication may also help in certain cases.

It is difficult to recover from these conditions, and not everyone will be able to do so. But with the right motivation, treatment plan and general support, anything is possible.  

See Also

1. Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders: Everything You Need to Know
2. What Are The Different Types of Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders?
3. What Are The Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders?
4. What Are The Causes of Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders?
5. How are Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders Diagnosed?
6. How Can Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders be Treated?
7. What is the Prognosis for Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders?
8. 10 Tips for Living With Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders