What Is OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) causes upsetting thoughts called obsessions. It also causes the urge to do behaviors called compulsions (also called rituals). Kids and teens with OCD get stuck in a stressful cycle of these thoughts, anxiety, and rituals.
If you think your child has OCD, start with a visit to your child's doctor or mental health provider. They can check for OCD or for other problems that could be the cause of your child's symptoms.
What Signs Might Parents Notice?
Obsessions
These are stressful thoughts that come to mind over and over. A child with OCD doesn't want to think about these things. But they feel they can't stop.
Parents may notice obsessions as intense fears or worries. Kids with OCD may feel unusually upset about:
- • Germs, dirt, illness, injury, or harm
- • Whether someone could get sick, hurt, or die
- • Things that seem wrong, or out of place
- • Whether bad thoughts might come true
- • Things that are not straight, even, or arranged "just right"
Compulsions (Rituals)
These are behaviors a child will do, trying to feel better. To the child, rituals seem like the way to stop thoughts and relieve fears. They seem like a way to keep bad things from happening.
Parents may notice that kids:
- • Touch, tap, or step in unusual ways
- • Arrange things over and over
- • Repeat words, phrases, or questions
- • Have many doubts, and trouble making choices
- • Wash or clean more than needed
- • Take a long time to do things — like get dressed, shower, eat, do homework
Kids may involve parents in rituals. And at first, parents may not realize that something is a ritual. For example, a child with OCD might ask for reassurance over and over. Or a child may insist a parent say or do something a set number of times, or in a set way.
Feelings
OCD symptoms are hard on kids. Rituals may seem to give them some relief at first. But rituals multiply. They start to take more time and energy. Kids have little left for things they enjoy. OCD thoughts, feelings, and rituals become a stressful cycle. This can make it hard to focus in school, have fun with friends, get to sleep, or relax.
Kids may seem:
- • Anxious, worried
- • Frustrated, irritable
- • Sad, tired
- • Upset when they can't do a ritual
- • To need constant reassurance from a parent that things are OK
Some kids may not let parents know about the thoughts, fears, and behaviors OCD causes. They may feel confused or ashamed about their fear and keep it to themselves. They may try to hide rituals they do. Some kids may have OCD symptoms for a while before their parents realize it.
Important: Kids and teens with OCD can have obsessions, compulsions, or both.
How Is OCD Treated?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Treatment for OCD is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). In therapy, kids learn coping and calming skills for anxiety. They learn how to safely face fears without doing rituals.
- • CBT helps children understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
- • Children learn to challenge obsessive thoughts
- • They practice facing fears gradually without performing rituals (exposure and response prevention)
- • Therapy provides tools to manage anxiety in healthy ways
Medication
Along with therapy, doctors may give medicines for OCD to some kids. For kids who need medicines, doctors give SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). These include Zoloft®, Prozac®, and Luvox®.
- • Medication can help reduce OCD symptoms
- • It's often used in combination with therapy
- • Medication should be monitored by a qualified healthcare provider
- • It may take several weeks to see the full benefits
Family Involvement
Treatment works best when a parent or caregiver goes to therapy with their child. That way, they can learn how to coach their child through OCD symptoms, help their child practice skills they learn in therapy, and offer daily support.
- • Parents learn how to respond to OCD symptoms appropriately
- • They learn not to enable or participate in rituals
- • Family members can provide consistent support and encouragement
- • Parents can help reinforce skills learned in therapy at home
How Can I Help My Child?
Talk with Your Child
Talk with your child about what you've noticed. Talk in a supportive way, listen, and show love. Say something that works for your child's situation like, "I notice you fixing your socks a lot, trying to get them even. Getting them to feel right causes you a lot of stress."
Say that something called OCD might be causing the worry and the fixing. Tell your child that a checkup with a doctor can find out if this is what's going on. Let your child know that this can get better, and that you want to help.
Make an Appointment
Make an appointment with a child psychiatrist or psychologist. Your child's doctor can help you find the right person. To diagnose OCD, they will spend time talking with you and your child. They will ask questions about your child's symptoms that help point them to signs of OCD. If they diagnose OCD, they can explain the treatment.
Take Part in Therapy
Part of treatment is coaching parents on how to respond to their child's OCD symptoms. Learn all you can about ways you can help. Learn how to support your child's progress without giving in to rituals.
- • Attend therapy sessions with your child
- • Learn the techniques your child is learning
- • Don't enable or participate in rituals
- • Support your child's efforts to resist compulsions
- • Be patient and encouraging
Be Patient
Overcoming OCD is a process. There will be many therapy visits. Be sure to go to them all. Help your child practice the things the therapist shows you. Praise your child's effort. Show how proud you feel. Remind them that OCD is not their fault.
Get Support, and Give It
There are lots of resources and support for families dealing with OCD. The International OCD Foundation is a good place to start. Knowing that you're not alone can help you cope. Sharing success stories with other parents can give you hope and confidence.
- • Connect with other families facing similar challenges
- • Join support groups or online communities
- • Educate yourself about OCD
- • Take care of yourself so you can support your child
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OCD the same as being a perfectionist or liking things neat?
No. While many people like things neat or organized, OCD is different. OCD causes significant distress and interferes with daily life. The obsessions and compulsions are time-consuming (taking more than an hour per day) and cause significant anxiety or impairment. People with OCD don't want to do these rituals but feel they must to relieve anxiety.
Can children outgrow OCD?
OCD typically doesn't go away on its own. However, with proper treatment, many children can learn to manage their symptoms effectively. Early intervention is important. Without treatment, OCD symptoms may persist or worsen over time.
Should I help my child with their rituals to reduce their anxiety?
No. While it may seem helpful to participate in rituals or provide reassurance, this actually reinforces the OCD cycle and makes it harder for your child to recover. It's important to work with your child's therapist to learn how to support your child without enabling OCD behaviors.
How long does treatment take?
Treatment duration varies depending on the severity of symptoms and how well a child responds. Some children see improvement in a few months, while others may need longer-term treatment. Regular therapy sessions and consistent practice of skills are important for success.
Is medication necessary for treating OCD in children?
Not all children with OCD need medication. CBT is often the first-line treatment. Medication may be recommended if symptoms are severe or if therapy alone isn't sufficient. The decision should be made in consultation with your child's healthcare provider, considering the severity of symptoms and your child's individual needs.
Key Takeaways
OCD is Treatable
With proper treatment, children can learn to manage OCD effectively
Family Support Matters
Parent involvement in treatment is crucial for success
Be Patient
Recovery is a process that takes time and consistency
⚠️ Important Note
This article provides general information and is not intended to replace professional medical or mental health advice. If you suspect your child has OCD, consult with your child's doctor or a qualified mental health professional for evaluation and treatment. Early intervention is important for the best outcomes.
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