When you think of OCD, it probably sounds like something dramatic and scary. But in reality, it’s more common than you might think. One in every 20 children has been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). If your child has OCD, they may have debilitating intrusive thoughts or an excessive need to check something over and over again. The good news is there are ways to cope with the condition and learn how OCD is treated.
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Don’t ignore it
Kids with OCD usually have symptoms before they’re even three years old. But be aware that other children may also have these symptoms. If you see obsessive thoughts or behaviors that are affecting your child’s daily life, talk to your pediatrician or a therapist about it. Your child may feel embarrassed about it, so it’s important to talk about it calmly and let them know you’re there to help.
OCD is a condition that has a unique set of symptoms that may be confusing for parents. That’s why you shouldn’t ignore it. You may not know what to look for yet, but it’s important to know. Kids with OCD may have certain thoughts over and over again. They may also have an urge to check something over and over again, like a door lock or their fingers. But these are symptoms, not signs that there’s a problem.
Encourage activities that ease the condition
Talk to your pediatrician about the treatment options available for your child’s OCD. But encourage them to try activities that ease the condition, like art, music, or journaling. There are also certain vitamins and minerals that may help. Research your child’s symptoms and try to find the patterns. With time, these patterns may become less intense and more manageable, leaving room for your child to take part in their daily life.
Finally, find effective treatment for OCD
Before you try any treatment option, be sure to read up on what OCD is and how it affects people. You’ll learn a lot from reading and researching. Once you have a better understanding of OCD, find a therapist you trust. Also, find a therapist who has experience treating OCD. Ask your pediatrician if they have any recommendations.
Kids with OCD can also find treatment at a child psychiatry clinic. Some insurance providers cover child psychiatry services, so call your provider to ask about coverage. You’ll want to find a therapist with experience treating OCD in children. If a child psychiatrist has experience treating children, but not specifically OCD, they may not have all the treatment tools they need to help your child.
Conclusion
OCD is a serious condition that can affect anyone, but it’s more common in children. Kids with OCD may have an excessive need to check something over and over again, and they may also have intrusive thoughts, like “something bad will happen if I don’t check it again”. If you notice these symptoms in your child, talk to your pediatrician or a therapist about it.