Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that affects individuals of all ages, including teenagers. Early detection and appropriate OCD treatment can help your teen manage the condition and help them find healthier ways to cope with their thoughts and behaviors. Even if you’ve seen OCD in movies, TV shows, or books, you might not have a clear understanding of what it actually is. OCD affects everyone differently and doesn’t always just cause people to wash their hands or check the locks on the door.
Teens and Parents Might Not Recognize OCD
OCD is characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts or obsessions and repetitive behaviors or compulsions. In teenagers, OCD may manifest as intense preoccupations with certain ideas and the need to perform specific rituals to alleviate anxiety associated with these obsessions.
Living with obsessive-compulsive disorder isn’t always the stereotypical depiction seen in movies. Rather than all teens with OCD being afraid of germs or aligning things in certain ways, they may strive for perfection with too much studying or constantly seeking reassurance. They’ll also experience intrusive thoughts that worry them, which can cause them to develop compulsions as a way of trying to manage the anxiety. These intrusive thoughts may be violent or taboo and can be very distressing for a teen to experience.
3 Common Symptoms of OCD in Teens
Each person with OCD might have different symptoms. These three are defining characteristics for many:
Symptom 1: Obsessions
Obsessions are constant, unwanted thoughts that can cause significant distress and anxiety. These thoughts may be related to cleanliness, symmetry, or harm, among other things. Teenagers may engage in compulsive behaviors as a way of managing these obsessions.
Symptom 2: Compulsions
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors that a teen feels compelled to perform in response to their obsessions. These behaviors may be physical, such as hand washing or counting, or mental, such as repeating phrases or seeking reassurance. Not everyone with OCD will have compulsive behavior.
Symptom 3: Severe Anxiety
Severe anxiety often accompanies obsessions and compulsions. Teenagers with OCD may experience intense distress when they are unable to perform their compulsive behaviors, leading to anxiety. Understanding this symptom can help parents better manage their child’s condition.
Teens with OCD Are Not All Alike
Mental health is deeply personal, and OCD is no exception. Everyone who lives with OCD has a different experience and will live with unique triggers, symptoms, and impacts on their lives. While compulsive behaviors like hand washing, checking, or organizing are all very stereotypical, compulsive behavior is not standard among people with OCD. Some people experience intrusive, obsessive thoughts coupled with compulsive reasoning—back and forth thoughts trying to make sense of something.
Compulsive reasoning can be just as distressing as OCD with other, more obvious compulsive behaviors. The obsessive thought patterns are the root of anxiety for people with OCD, while compulsive behaviors are efforts to try and relieve the stress these thoughts cause. Obsessive thoughts can be about anything, including feelings of being contaminated, not living up to or understanding personal identity, perfectionism, or even about religious standards or identity.
The Impact of OCD Symptoms in Teens
When you notice symptoms of OCD in your teen, you may not see the ways it’s interrupting or interfering with their life. OCD can be a debilitating disorder that affects not only the individual but also their family and friends.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder can interfere with:
- Daily routines and activities
- Social interactions and relationships
- Academic performance
- Emotional well-being and self-esteem
If your teen is struggling with their mental health, talk to them. Having a clear, open channel for communication can help them feel safe and empowered to discuss what they’re going through. They may not be able to verbalize that they’re having obsessive thoughts or even recognize when they’re behaving compulsively to soothe their stress. Taking the time to connect, listen, and just offer support is the first step. After that, it might be time to find professional support.
Seeking Professional Help for Your Teen
If you suspect your teen may be struggling with OCD, it’s crucial to seek professional help. OCD treatment can help them recognize what triggers their symptoms while learning to break out of the cycle of intrusive, obsessive thoughts. A comprehensive treatment plan can also help your teen learn to manage their compulsions, which can feel freeing and empowering.
Through evidence-based therapy and psychiatric support at Family First, your teen can learn coping strategies and skills to manage their OCD symptoms effectively. We provide a supportive environment and individualized treatment so they can gain the tools they need to lead a fulfilling life without feeling limited by their OCD.
Call Family First When Your Teen Needs Help
OCD can significantly impact your teen’s life, but with early detection and appropriate treatment, they can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being. If you notice any of the common symptoms of OCD in your teen, don’t wait. Call Family First at 888.904.5947 or complete our online form for expert help and support.