Have you ever noticed or thought about what Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) would look like for a child? It’s estimated that half a million children in the U.S. also deal with OCD.
Most people recognize some of the common symptoms of OCD in adults. The symptoms can be slightly different, or even difficult to recognize, at first.
Knowing what OCD looks like in children can help you get your child the help they need sooner rather than later.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the common signs of OCD in children, and what you can do to help if you start to recognize some of these symptoms.
What Are the Common Symptoms of OCD in Children?
In adults, some of the most common symptoms of OCD include things like fear of dirt or contamination, or struggling with unwanted thoughts.
In children, OCD might appear as an obsession with dirt and germs. Your child might repeatedly talk about specific doubts, such as whether their window is locked or whether the smoke detector has batteries.
Your child also might have a lot of uncertainty. That’s where the obsessive behavior comes in. They can develop a sort of “obsession” for counting things or touching things a specific number of times.
Adults do this too, as it provides a sense of comfort and security.
If you notice your child has started to spend long periods of time focused on numbers and counting, it’s important to understand why. It could be an initial symptom of OCD.
What Causes OCD?
OCD is more likely to occur in children who have a family member with the condition. It can also be more common in children with a family history of anxiety.
Children who have been through a traumatic event or have a lot of stress in their lives can also be more prone to develop the condition.
These are just instances, of course. The exact cause of OCD in children is unknown. However, it’s often linked to a lack of serotonin. So, it makes sense that children struggling with anxiety, sadness, or stress are more likely to experience symptoms regularly.
It’s also important to understand that children with OCD might have certain “triggers.”
Like adults, children with OCD can be triggered by stressful events or anything that might cause anxiety. Kids don’t always have the desire to feel like they’re in control the way adults do. However, when they feel like nothing is in their control or things are uncertain, they’re more likely to express stronger symptoms of OCD.
What Can You Do?
If you’re concerned that your child might have OCD, the first step is to get them an official diagnosis. Talk to your child’s doctor about symptoms they’re experiencing, and work on developing a management plan together.
The best way to treat OCD in a child is through therapy. Typically, CBT is used to teach children how to face their fears without giving in to the compulsions they’re drawn to.
At home, there are plenty of things you can do to help your child manage their OCD. It won’t always be easy, but things like setting limits and boundaries, and being firm with the “rules” of your house are important. The last thing you want to do is enable their OCD behaviors. Rather, you should reward them when they put effort into managing their symptoms.
Having a child with OCD can be overwhelming at times. However, it’s important to recognize that it likely feels even more overwhelming for your little one!
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If you think your child is dealing with OCD or they’ve already been diagnosed, consider learning more about Teen Therapy or Play Therapy. Feel free to Contact us to set up a free 15-minute consultation and together, we’ll work on a treatment plan that fits their needs. Serenity Experiential Family Therapy Center offers therapy services in Colorado.