Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Children
– A Parent’s Guide –
It can be frustrating to have a child with OCD.
It’s stressful to see your child stuck, without a clear way forward.
But, OCD can be helped!
Get informed & start the journey to helping your child’s Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder!
Symptoms of OCD
Obsessions
Obsessions are repeated anxious thoughts, images, or urges that a person wishes to get rid of because the thoughts are bothersome and disruptive (ie. thinking about the dangers of germs).
Compulsions
Compulsions are repeated actions or strict rule following which relieves the anxiety of obsessions but are excessive and unrealistic (ie. handwashing).
OCD Signs
Obsessions and compulsions take up a lot of time–1 to 3 hours a day or more–which is often what causes problems in relationships, school work, or other daily activities.
The compulsions may be clearly visible like cleaning or straightening something repeatedly, or they may be done silently in the child’s head like counting or praying repeatedly.
A younger child may not be able to explain what anxious obsessions they are trying to get rid of through a compulsive behavior even if those obsessions are present.
A trained play therapist can help explore that question.
OCD Themes
The themes of obsessions and compulsions vary but are often about cleanliness, order, thoughts that are perceived to be unacceptable, or harm that could come to oneself or others.
More Facts on OCD
- The DSM-5 states that females tend to be affected throughout the lifespan slightly more than males,
- But in childhood, boys experience OCD symptoms more often than girls (2013, p. 239).
- 1.2% of the whole population has symptoms of OCD in any given 12 month period and 25% of cases start before age 14 and 25% of males see symptoms for the first time before the age of 10 (p. 239).
- For children and adolescents who receive therapy, about 40% will experience remission in adulthood, but if symptoms early in life are not treated, it is unlikely that symptoms will get better (p. 239).
WRAP-UP
If you would like help navigating your child’s OCD, please give us a call. We specalize in helping anxious children with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
OCD falls within the anxiety family. Be sure to check our our “Parenting Axious Children” page and get informed!
Kid Matter Articles on Anxiety
5 Ways to Help Your Child Manage School-Related Stress This Fall
Back to school is usually a time filled with excitement and anticipation both for parents and kids. But as summer draws to an end this year, parents and children nationwide are facing uncertainty and a whole new set of expectations for the coming school year due to...
3 Tips to Support Your Child Through COVID-19
Feeling anxious and irritable while in the middle of chaos and unknown is normal. Knowing how to guide your child through a normal day during our COVID-19 crisis is hard and can even feel impossible. Today I'm going to share 3 tips on what you can do to support your...
Tools to Decrease Anxiety in Kids
When anxious behavior and emotions show up in life, it often feels all-encompassing. During this time while we’re all dealing with a new normal, having just the right tools to guide your child through anxious feelings can feel extremely challenging. In this video,...
We help anxious kids and frustrated parents. We serve Hinsdale & the Western Suburbs of Chicago.
Made with ♥︎ in Hinsdale, Illinois for Chicago
Built By Brand Your Practice.
© 2020 Kid Matters Counseling, P.C.
Kid Matters Counseling, P.C. DISCLAIMER: This website and blog are for informational, educational and general discussion purposes only. It is understood that no guarantee or warranty arises from the information provided, discussed or commented upon in this website and blog nor does it constitute legal or other professional advice on any subject matter. Access to this website and blog is voluntary and at the sole risk of the user. If you think that you have a medical emergency (including clinical), call your doctor or 911 immediately. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. While the information contained within this website and blog is periodically updated, no guarantee is given that the information provided is correct, complete, and/or up-to-date. See our complete Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.