A long term outlook for OCD

Does anyone have any information regarding the long-term outlook for people with OCD?

What I mean is, of course there are anti-depressants that can bring a certain episode under control, but they can't be used indefinitely, and also often have side effects. Even if you've settled on an SSRI that works for you, the time will come when it will probably be discontinued, for various reasons.

Is there anything that can make OCD better without medications?

For instance, as you get older, can OCD become less severe? As you get a family or children, and focus more on the needs of other people, can you finally clear your head of the anxiety about yourself?

Are there some profound philosophical insights or self-discoveries that can forever shake your personality and make you become more relaxed, and let go of the anxiety?

It would be interesting to talk to old people who were born with OCD, and are now 80-90 years old. Did they experience a lessening of obsessive thinking as they aged? Are they still as anxious as ever? If not, what was it that transformed them?

It depends on the person - of course - but I feel that OCD can diminish with age as new responsibilities enter the sufferer's life. As you mentioned, these can include family, children, and work.

I would never recommend simply taking medication for OCD, if it is severe. It's definately something that requires therapy too, and a lot of effort on the part of the sufferer.

It does diminish. But it's never out completly and it leaves its scars.