Can obsessive-compulsive disorder heal on its own?

Whether obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can resolve on its own depends on the severity of the condition. Generally, mild OCD may resolve spontaneously, whereas severe OCD is unlikely to do so. Individuals with mild OCD typically experience relatively minor obsessive symptoms that do not significantly impair their daily functioning. In such cases, symptom relief may be possible through recognizing the problem and adopting self-help strategies and lifestyle adjustments. For example, learning and applying cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques can help manage and reduce obsessive symptoms. For individuals with severe OCD, symptoms may be extremely intense and significantly interfere with daily life, work, and relationships. In these cases, full recovery without treatment is difficult, and professional intervention is necessary. The core feature of OCD is anxiety, which may be accompanied by other mental health issues such as depression or additional anxiety disorders. Therefore, OCD generally requires professional psychological treatment, with cognitive-behavioral therapy considered an effective approach.