Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common occurrence among adults and may also be diagnosed in children. The symptoms and behaviors associated with OCD treatment can be challenging for adults to manage but even harder for adolescents who are already navigating other intense challenges like school and peer pressure. With proper care and treatment, teens with OCD can learn to manage the symptoms of the disorder so it does not interfere with their lives.
The first step to treating your teen OCD treatment is determining whether or not he or she has an actual diagnosis of the condition yet. If you think your teen might have symptoms consistent with this mental health issue, then you can seek help from a doctor who specializes in treating children with mental health issues. A pediatrician won't be able to diagnose ASD on his/her own, but they will be able to refer you to someone who can.
Signs and Symptoms of OCD in Teens
- Obsessions: Obsessions are thoughts, images or impulses that feel intrusive and unwanted. The obsessions cause distress or anxiety to the person who has them.
- Compulsions: These are repetitive behaviors that the person feels they must perform in order to reduce anxiety. Compulsions can be mental (counting or praying), physical (cleaning) or behavioral (checking).
OCD is often confused with other disorders including depression; obsessive-compulsive personality disorder; schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
How To Treat OCD In Teens & Young Adults
- Medication
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
- Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and guided visualization.
- Support groups for teens and young adults with OCD. These can be both online or in person, depending on your preferences. Some options include:
- The International OCD Foundation's Teen Forums (http://www.ocfoundation.org/forums/) - The Anxiety And Depression Association Of America's Young Adult Forum(http://www.adaa.org/about-adaa/pressroom/newspaper-articles/20111022_AnxietyDisordersAffectedByMentalHealthReformBill) - OCD Chicago's Young Adult Group Website(https://sites.google.com/site/ocdchicago1/) - OCAnon Family Groups(http://ocanonyouthandfamilygroups.com/#!home)
Having OCD as a teen or young adult doesn't have to get in the way of living a long happy life with the right treatment.
It’s also important to remember that while medication can help manage symptoms, it doesn’t “cure” Obsessive Compulsive Disorder treatment. Your therapist and doctor will probably want to see you regularly so they can monitor your progress and adjust your medication as needed. They may also recommend other types of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps people learn new ways of thinking about their thoughts, feelings and behaviors so that they can cope better in life.
As we have seen, OCD is a serious condition that can affect anyone at any time. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of this disorder so you can seek treatment as soon as possible. With the right treatment plan and support from family and friends, teens with OCD treatment can live happy lives without being held back by their symptoms.