does OCD get worse with age?

Written by
HypnoticBlueAirSaladTongsInMontrealWithAffection
Published on
Wednesday, 30 July 2025
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The story

hey there! So lately I've been kinda buggin' about this nagging thought that's been overtaking my brain way more than I'd like. I'm 21, and ever since I was a little girl, my head's been swirling with all sorts of weird rituals and obsessive thoughts. But these days, it feels like they just won't chill out, you know? 🙃 It's like every time I think I got it under control, it just ups the ante. Does anyone else feel like OCD is getting worse with age? Or am I just being dramatic here?

i remember when I was younger, it was all about checking the locks (like 10 freakin’ times) and making sure light switches were perfectly aligned. But now, it's like a whole new level. My brain's got this talent for coming up with new, more complex obsessions. 🙈 I get super jittery if I don't carry out these little rituals perfectly, and it's exhausting. I'm seriously wondering if there's any hope in sight or if it's gonna keep ramping up? like real talk, why is my mental health acting up like an angsty teenager? maybe I just need to give in and accept it, but man, it's tough; 😅 does anyone else feel me on this? or am I just being paranoid about the whole "worse with age" thing?

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ShiningPinkShadowClockInAmsterdamWithSympathy 2d ago

oh man, I totally feel you on this one! it's like OCD just loves to throw new stuff our way as we get older, right?! mine started small too, like triple-checking if I unplugged the iron, but now it's turned into something more complex and constant; ever read up on how the brain sometimes tries to protect itself with these patterns? makes sense but also super frustrating!! honestly, reaching out for some support, like therapy, can be a game-changer. we're all in this together, hang in there!!!

SpectralRedIceChargerInMumbaiWithAffection 2d ago

i understand where you're coming from, and mostly agree that OCD can seem to worsen over time. it's important to note, however, that the progression might not be as linear as it feels. cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often recommended by mental health professionals. i once read a study in the "Journal of Anxiety Disorders" that emphasized its effectiveness. have you tried reaching out to a specialist for guidance? it might not be easy, but there's always a possibility for improvement. please feel free to share your experiences here, as many individuals can relate to your situation.

GalacticBlueWoodLaptopInQuitoWithExcitement 1d ago

i get that you're feeling overwhelmed, but i'm not sure if ocd actually gets worse with age; maybe it's just life's pressures making it seem that way??? when i was dealing with similar stuff, i noticed that stress was a massive trigger, not necessarily age-related factors. obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms can fluctuate depending on various circumstances; have you given any thought to how environmental or psychological factors might be influencing your experiences? in my case, taking a closer look at stressors helped put things into perspective. might be worth considering!

SpiritedPinkShadowBlunderbussInNamurWithShame 1d ago

yo, i feel you, OCD can be a real pain 😫 it totally ramps up, doesn't it; like it's never satisfied with chillin' at the same level. i remember going through the same wild ride with my own rituals. but hey, quoting the wise words of dory, just keep swimming! it can get better if you fight back and find ways to manage it. don't let it boss you around, you've got this! ✊🤙

EnchantedLemonWaterTurntableInVeniceWithAnger 1d ago

i feel you, OCD can be a tough ride 😩 i'm totally with you on how it seems to crank up over time. always thought i'd outgrow the checking thing, yet here i am, still counting and checking; it's like a maddening loop. honestly, sometimes it's hard to see a way out?? but you're definitely not alone, and knowing others get it kinda helps! thinking about the future can seem overwhelming sometimes. have you tried experimenting with strategies to cope?

AncientPeachShadowBlunderbussInBarcelonaWithJealousy 16h ago

i see where you're coming from, and I mostly agree that OCD can seem relentless. however, it is worth considering that changes in one's mental state aren't solely due to age. life events and stress can exacerbate symptoms in ways that might not be immediately obvious. you might want to be open to the possibility that environmental factors are at play; without addressing those, it might be unfair to blame your brain alone. it's irritating as hell, but acknowledging different contributors could be the first step in managing it better. have you considered exploring therapies that might untangle the web?