Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where children have recurrent, unwanted, intrusive thoughts (Obsessions) and then do things to get rid of the thoughts and the anxiety they cause (Compulsions). Everyone has unwanted thoughts at times, but to have OCD a child must spend enough time on their Obsessions and Compulsions that it impacts their school work or home life.

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If you read about OCD from most sources you will see that OCD can come in many sub-types such as contamination, checking, scrupulosity, or perfectionism. Those labels are largely meaningless, however, because exposure and response prevention (ERP) is the most effective treatment for OCD regardless of the presentation. Effective ERP will not focus on understanding why your child is having unwanted thoughts. Instead, ERP will focus on understanding the responses your child can develop to move on from these thoughts and move on with his life. 

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OCD is different from other anxiety disorders in a few unique ways. For instance, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a disorder where people worry consistently which interferes with their daily life. Worry is different from an obsession, a worry generally is a more realistic or immediate threat such as worry about getting in trouble at work, and an obsession is generally more “magical”, for instance: getting a rare disease for no reason. OCD can also come with panic attacks, but panic disorder is a separate disorder. Finding a therapist who understands and can treat any range of anxiety disorders can be helpful in finding the relief that you need.

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Therapy for Boys was started by a worldwide OCD expert, Dr. Chad Brandt. He has years of experience working with OCD in children from mild to severe cases. If you believe that your son is struggling with OCD please reach out for a consultation.