What Are the Most Common Challenges Children and Young People with OCD Face, and How Can These Be Addressed?
Young people with OCD often face many challenges that can feel overwhelming. They may show visible signs of distress, feeling constantly overwhelmed by their thoughts and compulsions. This distress can affect their relationships at home, particularly if they struggle to manage their emotions or are unable to articulate what they’re feeling.
It’s essential to validate their distress and create a safe space where they can talk openly about their feelings. Many young people don’t know much about OCD and may find it confusing or difficult to talk about. By learning about OCD together and by openly exploring the young person’s feelings and behaviours, families can develop a better understanding and a supportive environment.
It is important to note that OCD can also act as a barrier to social activities, hobbies, and attending school. For instance, if a young person is concerned that school is “dirty” and might make them ill, the obsession may prevent them from going to school. Addressing these concerns and exploring the young person’s feelings and thoughts can be key to understanding their behaviour, and key to ensuring they don’t experience social isolation. Sharing this information with teachers and other professionals can help create a supportive, understanding environment, reducing the fear of being misunderstood or labelled as “naughty” or “difficult”.
But How Does OCD Impact Social Development and Peer Relationships?
OCD can be incredibly distressing and often prevents young people from living the life they want to. It can become a barrier to forming and maintaining friendships. Some may avoid socialising altogether for fear of their compulsions becoming known, or because they worry they won’t be able to complete their rituals if needed – this can be very challenging for a young person but can also have detrimental effects on their social development and relationships. If someone’s OCD is centred around contamination fears, they may not want friends to visit, fearing that their friends might “contaminate” their space or belongings, making their home feel unsafe. These challenges can isolate young people from their peers and can contribute to a cycle of anxiety, loneliness, and self-isolation. Because of this, it is integral that the young person receives the appropriate support that they need to prevent their social and emotional developmental from being stunted because of their OCD.
So, What Are the Most Effective Interventions or Therapies for Treating OCD?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the recommended first-line treatment for OCD. CBT helps individuals identify and challenge the thoughts and behaviours that fuel their OCD. However, for some young people, confronting their OCD can feel overwhelming. In these cases, medication may be helpful to ease the distress and make it easier to engage in therapy. Medication can act as a “life jacket” during particularly tough times, and once therapy progresses, discussions can be held with a psychiatrist about discontinuing medication. However, this is something to review closely with the clinician who is working with the young person.
Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) is another option that may be used to treat OCD. Although it is typically used for trauma, EMDR can help reduce the distress associated with obsessive thoughts.
In addition to therapy, it’s also important to explore what might be causing the young person’s stress or worry in other areas of life, such as school. Extra support and resources at school might be necessary to make their experience more manageable.
When Should Parents or Caregivers Seek Professional Support for a Child with OCD?
Many people experience low-level OCD that doesn’t significantly interfere with their lives. For example, checking a bag to make sure homework is packed before school is a common, anxiety-driven behaviour that’s completely normal. However, when OCD starts to take over a young person’s life, causing overwhelming distress or leading to compulsions that get in the way of enjoying life, it’s time to seek professional support.
If the thoughts become too distressing, or the compulsions interfere with daily activities, such as going to school, maintaining friendships, or participating in hobbies, then therapy or other interventions should be considered.
Support Available at CAYP Psychology
At CAYP Psychology, we have a team of highly specialised clinicians, including Dr. Kat Harper, who are dedicated to supporting children, young people, and families across the UK. If you are concerned about OCD-like behaviours in a child or young person, or if you need guidance on treatment and support, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our team is here to help, using a tailored and specialist approach to ensure the best possible care for every young person.
Resources for Support
- “The OCD Workbook for Kids” – A guide for children to help them understand OCD and manage their compulsions with practical exercises.
The OCD Workbook for Kids By Anthony C Puliafico | World of Books GB - “What to Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming OCD” – This book provides children with simple strategies to manage their OCD.
What to Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming OCD (What-to-Do Guides for Kids): Amazon.co.uk: Huebner PhD, Dawn, Matthews, Bonnie: 9781591478058: Books - Downloadable booklets on OCD are available at OCDUK.org.
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