Early and Late-Onset OCD: when it develops and why
by Katherine Pica, LCSW
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a when individuals experience obsessions and compulsions. Children can experience OCD as young as the age of 5 but, on average, are diagnosed at the age of 10. For children, the main symptoms of OCD are unwanted thoughts, impulses or images that happen over and over, causing anxiety or distress. Additionally, they may say or think something compulsively or make repetitive motions or actions. Children can have a lot of magical thinking in their OCD. This can also extend to having to obey rules multiple times until anxiety goes away.
OCD in adults can include many different types of symptoms. Adults may fear dirt or contamination, struggle to handle uncertainty, or need things to be orderly and symmetrical. There are many subtypes of OCD and OCD can take on many different forms for adults. All forms of OCD affect uncertainty; we call OCD the doubting disorder. OCD treatment really focuses on treating the doubt and learning to live with uncertainty.
There are two types of OCD categorized as Early-Onset Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Late-Onset Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Learn more about when Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder develops and why.
When Does Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Develop?
The exact age of the onset differs between different studies that have been done, but researchers have defined a period instead. The first period typically occurs during late childhood or early adolescence. The first period is referred to as early-onset OCD. The second period occurs in the late teens to early twenties. Those who develop Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder later in life typically show signs of late-onset OCD.
The Differences Between Early-Onset OCD vs. Late-Onset OCD
The main difference between early-onset OCD and late-onset OCD is when the symptoms start to occur and when they are diagnosed.
What is Early-Onset OCD?
Early-onset OCD usually occurs in individuals who are between the ages of 8 and 12 years old. With early-onset OCD, typically, more males than females are affected. Typically, the symptoms of early-onset OCD appear more gradually over time but are more severe. With early-onset OCD, there is a higher rate of tic disorders.
What is Late-Onset OCD?
Late-onset OCD usually occurs in late teen and early adulthood. Unlike early-onset OCD, there is an equal number of males and females who experience late-onset OCD. Symptoms with late-onset OCD can develop suddenly and have ordinary signs of severity. However in my experience as an OCD therapist when we really take a look at past behaviors we often see OCD present through the lifespan but maybe it is just not as strong.
The research shows that young adults have a time period where OCD can develop however as an OCD therapists we see people who develop OCD at all stages in life. I have worked with many clients at different stages of their lives that developed OCD later in life. Some clients are in their 30’s 40’ 50’s even 60’s. But with each of those clients we found OCD symptoms that started earlier but they just were minor and did not cause much distress. Often, an increase in symptoms can be associated with a trigger or in response to a traumatic life event. With late-onset OCD, there is a higher rate of anxiety and depression disorders.
The Treatment Options for Early-Onset OCD and Late-Onset OCD
We are still learning about the causes of OCD; however, we have many different theories about factors that can cause Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. One of the main theories is that genetics can cause OCD. As an OCD therapists w regularly see OCD run in families. Another factor that we believe influences OCD symptoms is learning from your environment or surroundings. For example maybe you feel anxious about germs then you learn if I wash my hand I will feel better in the short term. We still have a lot to learn about the causes of OCD and are learning more every day.
Here is the thing though, no matter how you developed OCD or whether it was early-onset or late-onset, it is a highly treatable condition and OCD treatment is available! Treatment for OCD can help you regain control over some of those symptoms. When working with an OCD therapist, there is hope!
Depending on the severity of your OCD and how long you have been dealing with the symptoms, you may need a longer-term or ongoing type of treatment. When working with an OCD therapist, there will be an action plan created to help overcome OCD.
Exposure and response prevention, ERP for Early-Onset OCD and Late-Onset OCD
No matter when OCD develops the treatment for OCD is Exposure and response prevention. An OCD therapists we work with people of all different ages to overcome OCD. Often, people look for the causes of why it started. Why did this happen to me? However, the cause is not always needed to get OCD treatment. You can get OCD treatment regardless. What is needed is the most evidence-based form of treatment for OCD, ERP. In ERP therapy, we work together to learn skills and tools to overcome OCD.
ERP therapy is the gold standard for the treatment of OCD. ERP is a powerful form of therapy to fight OCD. Working with an ERP therapist is the best way to start to take back your life. No matter when it started we know what and how to treat OCD! Depending on the severity of your OCD and how long you have been dealing with the symptoms, you may need a longer-term or ongoing type of treatment. When working with an OCD therapist, there will be an action plan created to help overcome OCD.
How to get OCD treatment in San Diego?
At Resilience Counseling, OCD treatment is approached with clarity and intention. Therapy is active and structured, with a focus on understanding each person’s specific patterns and how OCD shows up in daily life. Rather than just talking about the problems or offering reassurance, treatment helps clients practice responding differently when anxiety or doubt appears. This process is collaborative and paced carefully so clients feel supported while still making meaningful progress.
With consistent work, many people find that OCD no longer runs their days or decisions. At Resilience Counseling, the goal is not perfection, but lasting change that allows clients to reconnect with their values, relationships, and sense of self. Therapy becomes a space to build confidence, tolerate uncertainty, and move forward with greater balance and resilience.
If you are looking for an OCD treatment for your early-onset OCD or late-onset OCD, reach out to us at Resilience Counseling to help find a path toward healing. We will work with you to determine the best plan of action so you can get back to living your life to the fullest again. We are trained OCD therapists in San Diego, available in person and to work with clients virtually throughout California. OCD therapy is so powerful, and there is hope for healing. Contact us today!
Author Bio: Katherine Pica OCD Treatment - San Diego, CA
Katherine Pica, LCSW - Clinical Director and Practice Owner of Resilience Counseling. She supervises the therapists at Resilience Counseling brining her 19 years of experience to the team. Trained in ERP for OCD, the gold standard of therapy for OCD. Katherine Pica and her OCD therapist team are available in San Diego, CA, for in-person sessions and all over California for virtual therapy. Contact us today!
San Diego, CA Based Therapy for OCD and Related Conditions
Disclaimer: The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional and or medical advice, diagnosis, and or treatment. It is important to always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a mental health and/or medical condition. Never disregard any professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Resilience Counseling website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 or local emergency number immediately.
