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Help for Children With OCD

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common anxiety disorder that affects 1 out of every 100 children, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. OCD causes children to experience unwanted thoughts, or obsessions. Children feel the need to perform rituals, or compulsions, to relieve the anxiety caused by the obsession. If your child has OCD, a combination of professional help and family support can help him find relief.

  1. Professional Help

    • Talk to your child's doctor if you suspect he has OCD, and ask for a referral to a therapist trained in treating children with the disorder. Make sure the therapist is skilled in cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure and response therapy, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. Children learn to develop positive thinking and behavior patterns when they undergo cognitive-behavioral therapy. In exposure and response therapy, the child will be exposed to a thought or situation that causes anxiety and prevented from performing the associated ritual. For instance, a child who is obsessed with germs may be told to touch something he considers dirty without washing his hands afterward. Talk to your child's doctor about the risks and benefits of using medication to control OCD along with therapy.

    Family Support

    • Keep in mind that your child is not to blame for the behaviors associated with OCD, and avoid personal criticism, recommends The Nemours Foundation. Listen to your child when she wants to talk, but realize that a child with OCD will not get better just because you tell her that the obsessions are irrational. Keep your expectations realistic, and do not punish a child for performing rituals. Talk to your child's doctor or therapist about the best way to deal with her obsessions and rituals, especially if she is bringing you into the ritual by asking you to perform tasks, such as repeatedly answering questions or rewashing laundry. Try to keep your family routine as normal as possible, but be flexible when your child needs a little extra support during stressful periods. Make it clear to your child that OCD is not his fault.

    Things to Consider

    • Some children have other disorders along with OCD. If your child does not seem to get relief from therapy, or if he seems to have problems unrelated to OCD, talk to your doctor about the possibility of tic disorders, other anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and learning disorders. Children with OCD can also suffer from depression and low self-esteem; discuss any concerns you have about your child's mood with his doctor.

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