When most people think of obsessive-compulsive disorder, they think of a person who is afraid of germs and extremely clean. They may picture someone who washes their hands frequently or keeps their home spotless. With this image in mind, you may look at your teen’s messy room and dismiss the possibility of OCD. Unfortunately, the myths about OCD make it easier for parents to miss the warning signs of OCD in teens. Although symptoms of OCD can include repetitive behaviors like counting or washing hands, OCD is a complex disorder that can vary widely. Before you talk to your child’s doctor about OCD, you can learn more about what OCD is – and is not.
What is OCD?
Also known as OCD, obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health condition that affects between 1 and 4 percent of the population. Like many mental health disorders, OCD typically develops during the teen or young adult years.
As the name suggests, obsessive-compulsive disorder has two primary features. A person with OCD repeatedly experiences intrusive, distressing thoughts called obsessions. These thoughts are often violent or sexual in nature. Adults with OCD may have intrusive thoughts about harming themselves or others. These thoughts are out-of-character and cause significant distress.
In order to cope with these thoughts, people with OCD develop compulsions. Compulsions are rituals that OCD sufferers use to stop intrusive thoughts or prevent something bad from happening. Some compulsions involve performing a particular action a set number of times. For example, someone with OCD may check their stove five times before leaving home to control intrusive thoughts about fires. For some people, compulsions may focus on avoiding situations that trigger intrusive thoughts.
What Are the Risk Factors for Developing OCD?
Although the exact cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder is unknown, these risk factors make it more likely that your child could develop OCD. Genetics plays a role in the development of OCD. If your child has a first-degree relative with obsessive-compulsive disorder, such as a parent or sibling, then they are more likely to develop OCD.
Certain personality traits can be an early predictor of OCD. Children who are more reserved or introverted are more likely to develop OCD during their teenage years. If your child displays negative emotions, such as anxiety, embarrassment, depression, guilt or shame, they are more likely to develop obsessive-compulsive disorder later in childhood.
Research suggests that there may be a relationship between childhood trauma and OCD. If your teen experienced a traumatic event, such as emotional neglect or abuse, during childhood, they may develop OCD as a response.
What Are the Signs of OCD in Teens?
Risk factors can help you determine if your child is at a higher risk of developing OCD, but they are not the only signs you should consider. One common warning sign of OCD is perfectionism. Your child may obsess about getting perfect grades or rewrite papers over and over again to get a perfect grade. This desire for perfect grades or a perfect performance may seem like a positive trait, but it could hint at an underlying struggle with OCD.
Parents should also watch for these warning signs of OCD in teens:
- Excessive worrying
- Asking repetitive questions
- Dependency on others
- Repeatedly asking for reassurance
- Disturbing and unwanted thoughts or images of harm to one’s self or others
- Disturbing and unwanted sexual thoughts or images
- Avoiding social situations, such as dating
- May appear withdrawn or anxious
- May perform repetitive behaviors or rituals
- Preoccupation with religious or superstitious thoughts
Your teen may try to hide these behaviors. Parents also may be tempted to dismiss these behaviors as “growing pains.” If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s important to pay attention and seek further help.
What to Do If You Suspect Your Teen Has OCD
Treating obsessive-compulsive disorder is not a one-size-fits-all approach. There are many available treatment options, and the right treatment depends on your child’s unique medical and family history. Medications are often the first line of treatment. If your child has a comorbid or coexisting condition, such as bipolar disorder, their doctor may prescribe a mood stabilizer and an antipsychotic drug like lithium. In addition to medications, doctors often will recommend therapy.
If your teen has a history of childhood trauma, their doctor or therapist may recommend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT techniques can help patients challenge and reinterpret their intrusive thoughts. A therapist trained in CBT can help your teen examine the evidence and reevaluate the effectiveness of their compulsions.
For obsessive-compulsive disorder that is unrelated to trauma, therapists will often suggest Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP). During this type of therapy, the therapist exposes the person with OCD to the source of their fear and teaches them to resist performing the compulsive behavior. Over time, continued exposure to the source of their fear will reduce their anxiety. However, ERP therapy is not appropriate for all teens with OCD. Studies show that ERP may not work for people with perfectionist thinking. ERP also may be inappropriate for teens with comorbid mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder.
If you think your teen is exhibiting signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder, you may wonder what to do next. Luckily, there is hope. There are many treatment options and medications that can help your teen manage this condition and lead a fulfilling life.
