Does OCD get worse? Curious question...

[Elf1981]

Okay, so a while ago, while at my in-laws, my DH asked me exactly what it is I do downstairs before I can come to bed. I explained (which he thought was amusing) but then the MIL asked if I had Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Hmmmm, no, not that I know of.
But from what I know, OCD is mostly about repetative tasks so it could be possible, though I view my behaviour as normal. I am just wondering if anybody knows whether OCD starts small and grows? How do people who cannot function without a particular ornament being in a particular place to that point? Do they start with one thing and it progresses?
I'm just wondering is all... anybody know?

[nutcracker]

Do you have a particluar routine, and would you be anxious, upset or stressed out if you couldn't do the things that you do before you go to bed ???

[Elf1981]

yes, I can't sleep if I haven't done these certain things. I dont feel it's obsessive. (Well, I would say that, wouldn't I?!) but I'm wondering if its something can could potentially progress into something that eats into my life.

[foundintranslation]

It can start like that, can come up (seemingly) all of a sudden.
As nutcracker says, the main criterion is the level of dependence on routines/handwashing/whatever, the level of distress caused by missing a routine etc. out, and the level of impairment of 'normal' day-to-day life that ensues.

[mummytosteven]

To a certain extent, everyone has some weird thoughts/behaviours that could be described as OCD like. When it becomes significant is when the thoughts/rituals etc start to affect your quality of life. If you are concerned, keep an eye on how much your behaviour affects your quality of life/how much type it takes up. It is possible for OCD to progress. So if you feel that you are starting to add things to your rituals, or it's starting to interfere with your activities, you might want to think about talking to doc/HV etc. You might find it useful to look at these websites for more information:-
www.ocfoundation.org
www.nopanic.org.uk

These websites will also have some screening tests for OCD on them.

[jabberwocky]

I have definite OCD tendencies and when I am upset or worried about something it gets a lot worse.

[Elf1981]

I think one thing that I do without realising is the fact that I have to wear the same rings & earrings everyday. It seems as if something bad happens when I wear new items. The only time this actually clicked in my head as being something I do without realising was when my whole family were going on holiday and I slept in my jewerley "just in case".
I also wore the same colour nailpolish for ages and ages. When I got pregnant, I was paranoid that if I took it off then something bad would happen. I could repaint, but couldn't remove. It makes me sound a bit nutty, right?!
At night, before I go to bed, I have to check certain things, and usually they're in the same order. So I have to check the front door is locked, then go to the kitchen, check the back door, check the window, touch every single hob to make sure they're off, make sure the microwave is unplugged, make sure the washer is off, then check the back door again and then the front door before going to bed.

[nutcracker]

Hmmmm i wouldn't be overly worried I don't think. Lots of people have a certain rountine especially before bedtime.

You could try changing your routine and see how you feel.

[Elf1981]

I'm comfortable with what I do, I'm just worried that I could get worse and end up not doing anything without it being a stress.

[nutcracker]

It's hard to say, i think it can be quite fine line. For example, dd2 has mild OCD, she is obbsessed with there being germs on her hands and is obsessed with washing them after using the loo. Pretty normal really, as we all wash hands then but, her screaming for half an hour down the motorway because there was no soap in the service station loos, bashing a soap dispenser to bits cos it was empty, and screaming at me because she thought I had dirty hands and had touched her bed is just about crossing the line I think.

It seems to be worrying you already, but that may be because someone has suggested it to you.

[Thomcat]

All I can say is that my sisters OCD has grown and grown and got worse and worse. not the case for others, but is the case with her for sure. Always been there, came outg in full at 13yrs and now at 31 yrs it's so bad it's not true.

That's how it is with her. I'm sure, and I hope, that won't be the case with you, just telling you how it is with my sister.

[nutcracker]

Thomcat, can I just ask, what age your sister was when she first got help with her OCD ??

[getbakainyourjimjams]

It often gets worse with anxiety. DS1's OCD is particularly bad when he is anxious or uptight about something else. It comes and goes.

[lunavix]

Mine got better before my late teens (I had to touch things etc in even numbders, walk, do stuff....) however it's now morphed into complete paranoia over ds. I have to touch wood, literally touch wood and think 'touch wood' when I worry about him, then I have to do it with both hands... but then cos I've thought the negative thing I have to do it again... and again...

I know it's weird, but he's okay atm so it's not harming anyone.

[Thomcat]

Hi Nuts - not sure hon', she had so many different forms with various people ovcer the years, ..... if you'd really like top know I'll ask my mum.

It's so, so bad at the moment. Mum is having the kitchen done and also having saffolding up and her (sisters) stress levels arfe so high and work hasn't even started yet It kills me.

[Thomcat]

WSould echo bakajimjams - when sister is anxious, like now re workman, it gets out of controil bad, but hers is really, really bad to start with

[nutcracker]

Agree with JimJams, dd's can sometimes almost dissapear but you can garuntee that when she is stressed out her behaviour goes to pot and her ocd returns with avengance. Today for example, her behavior has been awful, and then dd1 came to tell me that dd2 had made her re wash her hands before she could go in her room. Dd2 knows that the rule is that she is not allowed to make anyone wash their hands if they say they have already done it, but she just couldn't stand the thought that dd1's hands were dirty and would touch her stuff.

[mummytosteven]

agree that it gets worse with anxiety. As OCD is an anxiety disorder, then it does get worse with stress/tiredness/poor sleep/poor diet, too much caffeine etc. IMHO if you are concerned about it getting worse, it might be an idea to look at some self-help material - there are some excellent books out there that someone very committed with very mild OCD could work through by themselves, and have a go at challenging some of your routines; i.e. at deliberately missing out one of your routines, and coping with the anxiety that causes, until it ceases to cause you anxiety anymore.

The OCD Workbook by Hyman and Pedrick is great for hands-on advice.

[nutcracker]

Oh no it'sok Thomcat, it was a just a general wonder . I sometimes think dd's has gone and then it reappears.

The building work sounds like it will be a nightmare for your sis .

[mummytosteven]

so sorry that your sister is still continuing to suffer, Thomcat. Makes me realise how fortunate I am that medication works so well for me.

[Thomcat]

Me too Mummytosteven, me too

[mummytosteven]

I imagine that your family have explored every avenue of help for her, but just feel I should add that a friend of mine with treatment resistant OCD (she tried about every med under the sun, some of which just sent her manic) spent a couple of months as an inpatient at a shared house under the auspices of the Maudsley Hospital in London which she found very helpful.

[Thomcat]

The thing is you have to want to help yourself. She's scared to let go, doesn't know sho she is without it. It's got such a strong & terrible hold on and over her. She never has any release from it. i'll mention yr post to my mum though, thanks. ps - sorry to hijack.