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Avatar universal

Do OCD symptoms get exceptionally worse during puberty?

To start off, I'm an 18 year old male. I've always had OCD as a child, but when I hit age 15, my OCD symptoms got worse along with my social anxiety. The same time that happened, I got acne and got kinda uglier as well. So that makes me think puberty imbalance hormones did this to me. I also got depressed and used to be very happy (Not because of the acne or getting uglier! just how I started feeling).

Has anyone ever heard of this happening, as well as the person getting better once they're out of puberty and reached adulthood? If so, how much long do I have to wait for puberty to be finished?
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Avatar universal
The acne isn't even that bad. I realize this and it doesn't bother me one bit. My image of myself just changed when I hit 15.
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1699033 tn?1514113133
I can't answer your question because I went on medication during my pregnancy and stayed on it for a number of years thereafter.  I did go off meds for several years and was able to manage my OCD but I had learned cognitive behavioral therapy and so I had the tools necessary to help myself.  If you have not learned any of these techniques, breathing, imagery, etc, then I suggest you see a psychologist to learn them.  As you age, you are going to run into stressors...think things like college, relationships, etc. and those may make your OCD flare up.  Also, keep in mind that sometimes you don't think you are bothered by something when in reality subconsciously you are and the OCD flares up with that as well.  You have been diagnosed...did you take part in therapy sessions?

Also, walking around thinking you are ugly because of acne means that you need to see a dermatologist.  I have a son your age and when he was in high school he had pretty bad acne that needed to be treated with Accutane.  There are many options out there and so I don't think this is something that you have to live with.  It is a blow to your self esteem and for a person with social anxiety to begin with, I'm sure it isn't helping any.  
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Avatar universal
Did it clear up once your gave birth? You'll probably get something else when you go through menopause too.

Also, does puberty end in the late teens/early twenties?
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1699033 tn?1514113133
I believe that once the hormonal surge is gone that you will go back to your "normal OCD" self.  I actually had problems when I got pregnant and that too is a huge hormonal surge.  
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Avatar universal
I have typical symptoms. Like if I get a brand new phone and a drop of water gets on the screen, I can be worried for it for weeks thinking that it might break or malfunction, even if I know it didn't get inside the phone.

I know it doesn't go away, but since it got worse during puberty, can it get BETTER after my hormones balance out? I've heard of it happening to some people before. And it has to be the hormones because it got worse out of nowhere! I didn't go through any stressful situation in life, it just popped up out of nowhere.
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1699033 tn?1514113133
Hormonal changes do play a role in OCD as does elevated stress levels.  What you have to realize is that OCD doesn't go away.  In fact, as more stress is put upon you, which usually happens the older you get, the worse it can be.  So to be honest with you, the best thing for you to do right now is to see a psychologist and learn CBT.  That way, you can help yourself when the OCD kicks in.  You have not mentioned what OCD symptoms you have other than the social anxiety.  
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