Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) causes a person to have uncontrollable and unwanted thoughts, feelings or fears. They try to get relief from these feelings or anxieties through compulsive, recurring behaviors. For example, counting tiles on the floor, believing a certain item must be with them for good luck, brushing their teeth over and over when one time would have been enough. With compulsion, a child will repeat an act or do something until it feels “just right” to them. If they do not get that “just right” feeling they will feel anxious or like a task was left unfinished.

The thoughts and behaviors associated with OCD typically take up a lot of time in a person’s day, interfere with their activities and relationships, and impact their overall quality of life. The child may even realize that their fears, obsessions, or compulsion do not make sense, but they can’t stop the anxiety that they are feeling.

Research still has not been able to identify exactly what causes OCD.

Signs and Symptoms

A child with OCD may experience either obsessions or compulsive behaviors or a combination of both.

Obsessions:

  • Fear of germs, not wanting to touch anything dirty
  • Worrying that they or someone else will get sick, hurt or die
  • Needing items to be placed in a perfectly straight line or other symmetrical way
  • Believing that a certain object is either good or back luck, being panicked if they don’t have their lucky item or are near an unlucky item
  • Being particular about numbers (i.e., becoming anxious when the TV volume is set to an odd number)

Compulsions (also called “rituals”):

  • Excessively washing or cleaning things
  • Frequently re-writing, re-reading or re-doing something
  • Repeating words or phrases until they sound “just right”
  • Constantly re-checking that doors are locked, homework is done, lights are off, etc.
  • Touching or tapping items a certain number of times or until the touch feels a certain way
  • Collecting or hoarding objects

What You Can Do to Help

  • Seek professional help. It’s important to have a physician or licensed mental health professional examine the child for an accurate assessment and diagnosis of their physical and mental health.
  • Guardians can participate in therapy with the child to learn and practice recommendations from the therapist. Attending each appointment also shows the child your support and dedication to their wellness.
  • Encourage them to talk about their feelings and stay positive.  Some kids may feel embarrassed or confused about their OCD symptoms and this may cause them to keep it to themselves.
  • It’s important to be very observant of their behavior to watch for warning signs since kids often don’t talk about OCD experiences.
  • Work closely with the child’s teachers and school guidance counselors to ensure everyone knows how to best support the child.

KVC Missouri Children’s Mental Health Can Help

KVC Missouri provides the most comprehensive continuum of child and family services across the state, including family strengthening services, foster care case management, foster parent training and licensing,  community-based and residential children’s mental health treatment, K-12 therapeutic education, therapeutic adventure and wilderness programs and more. With regional campuses in St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia and St. James, our 800+ team members bring innovative quality care models, clinical expertise, exceptional outcomes and groundbreaking work in trauma-informed care. Our broad continuum of care means that children can access mental health services from the least intensive, community-based care to the most intensive, residential treatment programs, receiving an individualized care plan from highly skilled behavioral health professionals.

If you’re concerned that a child in your care is struggling with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)  or other mental health needs, call us now at 1-844-424-3577 to find out about services near you.

Here are some KVC Missouri resources to help you understand and cope with OCD: 

Here’s a list of additional resources you can contact for help:

  • Schedule an appointment with the child’s primary care physician or local community mental health center for an assessment
  • Visit www.iocdf.org for free resources from the International OCD Foundation
  • Text HOME to 741741 for 24/7 support from the Crisis Text Line
  • Call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 800-950-6264 or visit their website at nami.org
  • Learn more from the Child Mind Institute