Obsessive compulsive disorder can quickly become all-consuming in a teen’s life. Studies show that when teens are constantly hard on themselves it can lead to the development of OCD. The frequency and intensity of OCD-like behaviors is what separates them from a character trait and a disorder. Help for OCD in teens can start with adopting methods to counteract actions associated with the disorder. However, before you can get a teen the help they need, you must first identify the issue at hand.
Signs of OCD in teens
Below are some things to look for when your teen may be exhibiting OCD behavior. Remember these behaviors are classified as a disorder depending on their frequency and intensity.
The most common obsessions among teens with OCD include:
- Fear of dirt or germs
- Fear of contamination
- A need for symmetry, order, and precision
- Religious obsessions
- Preoccupation with body wastes
- Lucky and unlucky numbers
- Sexual or aggressive thoughts
- Fear of illness or harm coming to oneself or relatives
- Preoccupation with household items
- Intrusive sounds or words
Compulsions that are most common among teens include:
- Grooming rituals, including hand washing, showering, and teeth brushing
- Repeating rituals, including going in and out of doorways, needing to move through spaces in a special way, or rereading, erasing, and rewriting
- Checking rituals to make sure that an appliance is off or a door is locked, and repeatedly checking homework
- Rituals to undo contact with a “contaminated” person or object
- Touching rituals
- Rituals to prevent harming self or others
- Ordering or arranging objects
- Counting rituals
- Hoarding and collecting things of no apparent value
- Cleaning rituals related to the house or other items
How to Help
There are various treatment options that can help reduce symptoms of OCD and make it more manageable for your teen so that it does not interfere with their everyday life. The best thing you can do to help with OCD in teens is seek professional care. A psychiatrist can provide proper evaluations and prescribe medications to help your teen. Cognitive behavior therapy is also an option. This specialized type of therapy can help your teen work through their specific symptoms and learn ways to cope.
Solstice East can help
Solstice East is a residential treatment center for young women ages 14-18 struggling with behavior and emotional issues such as those that can stem from peer-relationship struggles. This program focuses on helping young women heal, recover, and integrate healthy habits into their lives. Students will learn to build healthy relationships, cope with emotions, and effectively communicate. Solstice East gives young women the skills and confidence they need to lead happy and healthy lives. We can help your family today!
Contact us at (855) 672-7058.
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