How Is OCD Diagnosed In Children?

Typically, when a parent brings their child to our office, they usually are not asking if their child has OCD. They are usually coming in because their child is anxious, struggling at school, having meltdowns, overly rigid, demanding or coming across as oppositional or defiant.

Many parents wonder if their child has ADD/ADHD because their child is struggling at school or with homework at home because they cannot concentrate. At NPS, we have an intake that screens for all categories of struggles with children. This is so that we do not miss any important information so we can accurately diagnose your child. It helps us tease out the correct diagnosis that can have some of the same behaviors that can look like OCD, ADHD or ODD.

There are no lab tests to diagnose OCD.

When OCD is diagnosed, it can be a relief to kids and parents. The child is not broken or misbehaving on purpose. The brain just needs help with getting more of the neurotransmitter serotonin available to help self regulate thoughts and behaviors. OCD can get better with the right treatment and support.