How Does OCD Manifest in Children?
For children, OCD can be especially destructive and difficult to navigate. Children are less equipped to handle their obsessive thoughts, put words to what they are feeling, and seek support from someone who can help. For this reason, children with OCD are often labeled as irritable, angry, defiant, or obstinate.
At NPS, we know that these labels are both unhelpful and inaccurate. With the right tools, a child affected by OCD can find relief from their worries and fears, as well as the compulsive behaviors used to cope with them.
The cause of OCD is not always clear. However, children are more likely to suffer from the disorder when they have experienced a traumatic or stressful event or have a family history of anxiety. It is also now understood that the medical condition of PANDAS can trigger a person to have OCD. We are familiar with PANDAS at NPS and have counselors whose specialty and experience are in working with people with OCD.
If you believe your child has OCD or a generalized anxiety disorder, a counselor can provide you and the child with support. At Neal Psychological Specialties, we have experience in treating children with these types of disorders and can ease the burden caused by childhood OCD.
Common Obsessive Thoughts and Compulsive Behaviors in Children
By nature, obsessive thoughts are both unwanted and intrusive. For children, these thoughts can be extremely unpleasant and distressing. Commonly, a child’s obsessive thoughts include:
- Fear of sicknesses, germs, and/or dying
- Fear of doing something wrong such as harming or an urge to kill their pet
- Fear of bad things happening to their loved ones
- Stress about things not being perfect or “just right”
- Violent and damaging thoughts or images
When a child experiences these kinds of obsessive thoughts, they feel a loss of control. Along with these thoughts, they may also begin a series of compulsive behaviors, like:
- Repetitively checking that things are “just right”
- Constantly checking that things are where they should be
- Frequently using “lucky” words, songs, or numbers
- Constantly apologizing and/or confessing
- Frequently ordering and organizing their belongings and/or engaging in rituals at bedtime or when showering
- Obsessively cleaning or washing
If you notice your child exhibiting any of these behaviors, it’s time to speak with a counselor—especially if the behaviors are affecting the child’s ability to function in everyday life. Our team is here to help you reach an accurate diagnosis and find a treatment plan that works.