Understanding OCD in Children: How to Recognize Signs and Provide Support

As a parent, you want the best for your child. You want them to be healthy, happy, and safe.

It's important to remember that you can only control so much that goes on in their world. You can't control the unknowns or prevent them from getting hurt every step of the way, no matter how hard you try to protect them and keep them happy.

You also can't prevent conditions that may run in the family or that they may develop on their own. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of those conditions. But just because you can't control it doesn't mean you still can't show up to support your child if they're diagnosed with this disorder.

It's important to first understand what OCD looks like in children. Let's explore how to recognize signs of OCD and provide support.

The Obsessions

OCD obsessions are the stress-inducing, negative, and unwanted thoughts that your child may be experiencing if they're diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder. If your child is struggling with OCD, these obsessions will cause your child to grow upset or appear anxious. These are some of the most common obsessions to look out for:

• Dirt

• Germs

• Injury

• Negative thoughts coming true

• Sickness

• The arrangement of items

The Compulsions

The obsessions that your child has can cause them to perform compulsions or rituals. These compulsions are done as a short-term solution to feel better from the stress and anxiety that the obsessions cause. These are some of the most common compulsions to look out for:

• Arranging and rearranging

• Counting steps

• Difficulty making decisions

• Doubting oneself

• Repeating words or questions

• Tapping

• Touching

• Washing or rewashing hands, face, or body

The Feelings

The signs and symptoms of OCD can be difficult for anyone to manage, especially a child. The combination of obsessions and compulsions can turn into a vicious cycle. These can start to get in the way of how they're living their daily lives, making it more challenging to have fun with family and friends, relax, or pay attention in school.

Here are some other signs to look out for in regards to your child's feelings:

• Anxiousness

• Fatigued

• Frustration

• Irritability

• Sadness

• Worry

How to Provide Support to a Child with OCD

Your child may not fully understand what they're going through. They also may experience feelings of shame for the signs and symptoms that they're experiencing. Has your child been diagnosed with OCD? Do you suspect your child has OCD? This is how to provide support for your child with OCD:

Educate Yourself

Try to find time to do some research on your own about the condition. Read books, listen to audiobooks, or follow like-minded individuals who are going through the same situation on your social media channels.

Learning more about OCD can help you figure out what may be causing this in your child's life. You can also become more knowledgeable in regards to the various signs and symptoms that accompany OCD.

Talk with Your Child

It's important to be patient as you and your child learn to navigate OCD. It's a process. There will be a lot of ups and downs along the way. Take the time to talk with your child about the signs and symptoms that you're noticing. You can also try to help explain what OCD is so that your child has a better understanding of what they're going through.

Reach Out for Support

When it comes to obsessive-compulsive disorder, additional support from a licensed and trained mental health professional is invaluable. Reach out today to learn more about OCD Therapy and how we can be an essential resource as your family navigates this new normal.