OCD Treatment for Children

OCD is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional. This evaluation involves detailed interviews with the child and parents, observation of the child’s behavior, and the use of standardized assessment tools to evaluate the presence and severity of OCD symptoms.

While there’s no known cure for OCD, it’s a highly treatable condition. With appropriate and ongoing treatment, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication, most children with OCD can achieve substantial relief from their symptoms.

ERP is a type of CBT that’s highly effective for treating OCD. It involves gradually exposing the child to the thoughts, images, and situations that make them anxious, and helping them to develop healthier responses that don’t involve engaging in compulsive behaviors.

Certain medications, including Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), have been found to be effective in treating OCD. However, medication is typically considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that also includes CBT.

Parents can play a crucial role in their child’s treatment by providing emotional support, encouraging their child to adhere to the treatment plan, and collaborating closely with the healthcare providers. It’s also helpful for parents to educate themselves about OCD and its treatments.

OCD often results in parents feeling like they need to make accommodations for the patient’s anxiety. These accommodations, which are initially small requests by the child (e.g. please wash your hands before you make my sandwich) and appear to alleviate anxiety in the child, unfortunately lead to an escalating series of requests that ultimately worsens the anxiety and leads to poorer outcomes. This is just one of the challenges of parenting a child struggling with OCD. A growing body of research suggests that outcomes are maximized when caregivers are provided expert guidance on how best to respond to their child’s symptoms.

OCD is a chronic condition that typically doesn’t go away without treatment. While symptoms may wax and wane over time, it’s important to seek professional help if OCD symptoms are causing distress or interfering with your child’s daily activities.

OCD affects about 1 in 100 children, making it a relatively common mental health disorder in this age group. It can occur in children of all ages, although it’s more commonly diagnosed in adolescents.

Absolutely. With the right treatment and support, children with OCD can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling, productive lives. The goal of treatment at Greenwich Anxiety is to help children regain control over their symptoms so they can return to their regular activities and pursuits.

Everyone experiences worry and has habits or routines. But for people with OCD, these thoughts and behaviors are so severe that they interfere with daily life. Unlike typical worry, obsessions in OCD are unwanted, distressing, and difficult to control. And unlike normal routines, compulsions in OCD are time-consuming, distressing, and performed in response to obsessions or rigid rules.

Most individuals can be effectively treated on an outpatient basis. Outpatient care is suitable for a wide range of medical and mental health conditions, including mild to moderate cases. It allows patients to receive necessary treatment, consultations, and therapy without being admitted to a hospital. With the convenience of outpatient care, patients can maintain their daily routines and benefit from specialized services.