Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Preventing OCD from worsening: early help, stress care and relapse prevention.
OCD cannot always be prevented, because genes and biology play a part. But early help and healthy habits can reduce its impact and stop it from worsening.
Seek help early
The earlier OCD is treated, the better the outcome. See a doctor when rituals start to take time or cause distress, and for children when rituals or fears affect school or sleep.
Manage stress
Avoid things that worsen it
Build healthy responses
Family and school
Prevent relapse
Pregnancy and after birth
Tell your doctor about any history of OCD, and seek help early for new intrusive thoughts.
Remember
Early help, healthy routines and relapse planning protect long-term recovery.
When to get help
See a psychiatrist or psychologist if thoughts and rituals take more than an hour a day, cause distress or limit your life. Do not stop or replace prescribed medicines with herbs, and do not give herbs or home remedies to children without a paediatrician's advice. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call 112 or Tele-MANAS at 14416 in India.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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