Is it possible to develop OCD later in life?

Question

My mom is 54 years old and she thinks that she could have recently developed OCD. She was never previously diagnosed with it but when I was younger my doctor said he thought that I might have it. Figuring that no one in my family had it I was left wondering where I could have inherited it from and now that my mom has the symptoms associated with it I have to agree I mean where else could I have gotten it from. Is it possible that she could have recently developed it. She has a history of depression (don't know if that makes a difference) and so do I but I take medication for it as does she. Thanks for your time and no rude answers please.

Bob · Accepted Answer

I think that it's possible to develop it that late in life, but from everything I've seen it's from about 10 to 12, or 18 to 23. However I've heard of children much younger developing it and have read a couple articles, one of which I included, about it happening. There's also a chance that she was obsessive compulsive at a younger age, but mildly so and didn't display a large number of symptoms. It's also generally in response to stress, so maybe she wasn't feeling stressed up until now.

Anonymous · Answer

I just googled ocd development age and quite a few mentioned late onset like this one.
 
http://neuro.psychiatryonline.org/article.aspx?Volume=19&page=487&journalID=62

Hope it helps

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Is it possible to develop OCD later in life?

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