Which statement best describes the course of OCD?

Which statement best describes the course of OCD?

• A. A disorder with rapid, complete remission in many cases
• B. A mood disorder with episodic mania
• C. A psychotic disorder with hallucinations
• D. The most chronic of anxiety disorders, waxing and waning in severity

Answer: (D)

OCD typically has a long-lasting course with symptoms that can fluctuate in intensity over time. Obsessions and compulsions tend to persist for years, and while they may improve with treatment, complete, rapid remission is not the usual pattern. It isn't a mood disorder with mania, nor a psychotic disorder with hallucinations, so those descriptions don’t fit. The most accurate description is that OCD is a chronic anxiety disorder that waxes and wanes in severity.

OCD typically has a long-lasting course with symptoms that can fluctuate in intensity over time. Obsessions and compulsions tend to persist for years, and while they may improve with treatment, complete, rapid remission is not the usual pattern. It isn't a mood disorder with mania, nor a psychotic disorder with hallucinations, so those descriptions don’t fit. The most accurate description is that OCD is a chronic anxiety disorder that waxes and wanes in severity.