Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition. It makes your child have unwanted thoughts that occur over and over. To stop those thoughts, your child might develop a compulsion. This is an action or ritual that is done again and again.

For example, a child might worry constantly that if they get dirty, they will get sick. To handle this feeling, the child might wash their hands or clothes or clean things over and over.

The action makes your child feel better for only a short time. If your child tries to resist the urge to do it, they may feel very anxious or have panic attacks. The same can happen if your child isn't allowed to do the action.

Therapy can help your child learn to manage thoughts and actions. Your child may have one-on-one therapy, group therapy, and family-focused therapy.

Your doctor also may prescribe medicine to help with symptoms.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Give your child's medicine exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think your child is having a problem with a medicine.
• Make sure your child goes to counseling and follow-up appointments.
• Ask your child's therapist how you can help your child do homework or tasks that the therapist sends home.
• Involve family members and other loved ones in your child's treatment, especially if your doctor suggests that they go to therapy together.
• Help your child handle stress in these healthy ways.
  • Get regular exercise. This could be activities like walking, bike-riding, outdoor play, and sports.
  • Write or draw about the things that bother your child.
  • Talk, laugh, cry, and express anger when your child needs to.
  • Eat healthy foods. It helps to avoid caffeine. Coffee, energy drinks, some soda, and chocolate have caffeine. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children and teens not drink energy drinks.