One of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)’s many mysteries is how its symptoms change, fade, or even seem to disappear at times. As a therapist, I often hear people say that an obsession they once struggled with intensely may vanish for months or years–only to return later. They wonder: why now, and what can they do about it?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) sets the criteria for OCD as having symptoms that are time-consuming and cause significant distress or interfere with daily functioning. But what happens when this isn’t consistently the case?
Why do OCD symptoms disappear and return?
OCD symptoms often intensify during times of emotional stress, major life events, or even seemingly positive changes. Even things we look forward to–like a special vacation or the first day of school–can trigger anxiety because of the unpredictable factors involved.
Sometimes it’s hard to tell what comes first: the stress or the OCD. It’s a chicken and the egg situation. Does stress magnify the OCD or vice versa? It is hard to decipher where one ends and the other begins, but regardless of which came first, the two often walk hand-in-hand together.
Though it is unclear exactly why symptoms can fade and return over a lifetime, the good news is that OCD can be managed effectively. Through proper treatment, stress management, and the right coping tools, you can prevent setbacks and live a life where OCD no longer controls you.
Can OCD actually be “cured”?
OCD is a chronic disorder that requires lifelong awareness and management, as it can be debilitating if left untreated.
OCD impacts different areas of the brain to varying degrees. Complexities in one’s environment, brain structure, and functioning can contribute to OCD symptoms. These symptoms often develop in early childhood and last until adulthood, sometimes not showing up until adulthood. Many adults diagnosed with OCD can look back and recognize signs that went untreated or unnoticed in their youth. Research consistently shows that OCD tends to present across a lifetime, though symptom intensity can fluctuate and may even appear absent at times. In essence, OCD cannot be “cured” in the traditional sense, but for most, it can be managed to the point where it’s no longer debilitating or significantly disruptive–almost as if it were in “remission.”
What treatment works for OCD?
Managing OCD effectively requires proper treatment, which often includes exposure and response prevention (ERP) and, for some, medication management. It is possible to live a high-functioning life while still meeting the criteria for OCD–or even to not technically meet the criteria at a given moment, yet still experience struggles.
I often remind people two things in treatment. First, a diagnosis simply identifies a set of behaviors or symptoms that affect your life, usually in negative ways. Second, I view OCD like any other chronic medical condition—it can be managed.
Think of diabetes: someone with diabetes can have symptom-free days, weeks, or months. The condition is still there, but with proper management, it no longer controls daily life. OCD works the same way. The underlying physiological components may remain, but ERP—and sometimes medication—allow you to manage symptoms. Flare-ups may occur, but there are also periods of minimal or no symptoms. Just as controlling blood sugar doesn’t mean you no longer have diabetes, managing OCD doesn’t mean it’s gone—it means it’s under control.
As both a licensed professional and someone living with OCD, I see managing it as a lifelong commitment. This does not mean you will need therapy forever, but it does mean recognizing when OCD needs attention. It means staying proactive. Triggers can lead up to flare-ups, and practicing ERP skills regularly helps you respond effectively.
Treatment equips you with the tools to handle OCD episodes. Some people may benefit from occasional check-ins or maintenance appointments—just a few times per year with a therapist or provider—to prevent relapse and reduce symptom severity. The more prepared you are, the easier it is to return to a state of recovery with minimal disruption to your life.
Find the right OCD therapist for you
All our therapists are licensed and trained in exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), the gold standard treatment for OCD.
Getting treatment now can help you manage OCD symptoms, whenever they appear
Even if OCD isn’t loud in your life right now, you can still benefit from treatment. Many people wait until they feel overwhelmed or unable to function before seeking help, but I encourage you not to wait until you’re at rock bottom. Putting off treatment often causes greater distress over time.
Symptoms may start small. You might tell yourself they’re manageable or that they will go away on their own. They may. But they often return—stronger, more disruptive, and more widespread. By then, what once felt minor can become consuming.
Treatment can help you address symptoms early–before they become severe or unmanageable.
If you’re ready to take a proactive approach to managing OCD, NOCD can help. Our licensed therapists are specialty-trained in ERP and work alongside leading OCD experts and researchers. Learn more about NOCD’s accessible, evidence-based approach to get matched with a therapist and begin treatment.