That is a great question! I am not a therapist, but I love researching OCD to understand better, and attended the IOCDF conference a year ago, which I would highly recommend. Great stuff. Anyways, researchers have yet to identify one specific gene for OCD, but believe that for some, the gene lies latent, and is activated based on environmental stimuli. For example, you may not have it at 5, but your dad has OCD and you see that growing up, and his OCD has an effect on you because he makes you check for him or clean for him as part of his ritual. But, if genetic, or environmental, the odds of curing OCD are little to none. They haven’t found a cure. Treatment yes, but a cure, no. Your friend stating she was cured may be their way of trying to hide it, or make themselves look better. I don’t know them so I cannot say for sure. Through my own personal research I have found the process to be this
Trauma->Obsessions->Anxiety->Ritual->Relief
Explanation- when we are born, we really truly are born with little to no natural fear. It’s our experiences or trauma that shape those core fears. And from there, the OCD mind obsesses to a degree that is not normal when comparing to those without OCD. The OCD mind creates obsessions, and then the anxiety comes right along with it. For example, let’s say your house burnt down when you were young. The core fear of you house burning down develops. You obsess as a teen and young adult that the house will burn down, so you constantly check the oven throughout the day. You check out of anxiety that comes from the obsession, and not checking enhances those anxieties. So checking the oven off and on throughout the day, brings you temporary relief from the anxiety. That’s how I have been able to order it personally, and I hope what I have said helps a little. Best wishes!