If your teen triple-checks their homework, asks the same questions over and over in an attempt to get things exactly right, or seems fixated on adhering to rules, it could be a common case of teen insecurity. However, depending on the severity, these behaviors may also point to something more concerning, like obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Recognizing OCD symptoms early is the first step toward effective treatment. If you’ve wondered whether your teen’s routines are more than simple quirks, it may be time to explore professional support. OCD treatment for teens at the Ohio Center for Adolescent Wellness (OHCAW) can provide compassionate, personalized treatment that supports both your adolescent and your family.
The most common symptoms of OCD
OCD symptoms fall into two categories. The first category is obsession. Obsessions are unwanted thoughts or even disturbing images that may seemingly pop into your teen’s head out of nowhere. These thoughts or images cause a lot of stress for the person experiencing them, and lead to the second set of symptoms or category: compulsion. These are the behaviors that a person may do in response to those unwanted thoughts (obsessions). They commonly take the form of rituals or repetitive behaviors meant to alleviate the anxiety caused by thoughts that your teen may feel unable to shake.
What are obsessive or intrusive thoughts?
Intrusive thoughts cause intense anxiety or emotional distress. They’re also known as obsessions and can be difficult—if not impossible—for teens to simply “turn off.” Some common examples of these intrusive thoughts include:
- Fear of contamination or germs
- Worrying that something terrible might happen to a loved one
- Excessive focus on behaving morally or following religiously-held beliefs to the letter, without room for imperfection or human failing
- A need for things to feel “just right” or symmetrical
For some teens, these thoughts are absolutely overwhelming and interfere with their ability to focus at school, enjoy relationships, or go about their daily routines with freedom. When left untreated, an overreliance on rituals and perfection can hinder teens’ ability to find a healthy balance in life as they mature. Ultimately, a lack of flexibility can lead to intense relationship conflict, difficulties in the workplace, and an unhealthy approach to belief systems.
What are compulsive behaviors?
Compulsions are the actions teens with OCD take to neutralize their obsessive thoughts. These rituals may seem helpful to them at first, but unfortunately, they reinforce the cycle of anxiety and become difficult to break without professional support.
An example of how the obsession and compulsion cycle works is:
Obsession: A teen who fears they or their loved ones may get sick.
Compulsion: In order to feel less anxiety about getting sick, they engage in excessive handwashing—sometimes for up to 30 minutes at a time, trying to make sure they’re clean enough.
Rituals like repeated prayers, phrases, or organizing until things are “just right” are all ways of calming the emotional distress caused by obsessive thoughts. These types of intense behaviors are likely not quirky habits, but evidence of OCD. The good news is there is treatment available, and your teen can learn to live more freely.
How is OCD diagnosed?
OCD is diagnosed through a clinical evaluation conducted by a licensed mental health professional. The process may include:
- A psychological assessment of your teen’s thoughts and behaviors
- Interviews with both the teen and family members
- Questionnaires or tools to help identify patterns
While online resources like an OCD test for teens can be informative, they should not be used as substitutes for a professional diagnosis. When looking for a reputable diagnosis, trust clinical expertise and not online quizzes or inventories. If your child’s behaviors are interfering with daily life, it’s time to reach out to a provider experienced in adolescent mental health.
If you believe your teen could be struggling with OCD, reach out to us today for an evaluation.
How OHCAW treats OCD in teens
At OHCAW, we understand the complex challenges teens with OCD face. Our specialized programs, including Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP), provide structured care in a supportive, compassionate environment where your teen won’t ever feel judged. Our aim is to help both adolescents and their families build coping skills, reduce symptoms, and improve long-term wellness.
Our therapies include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may also include exposure and response prevention (ERP) as a way to help teens learn to tolerate anxiety without engaging in compulsions
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Family therapy & medication management (as appropriate)
Treatment at OHCAW is designed to be private, empowering, and focused on helping your teen regain control of their life without needing a hospital stay.
Take the first step toward support at OHCAW
If you suspect your teen is struggling with OCD, help is available. Contact us to schedule a confidential screening. Our expert team is here to listen and guide your family toward the kind of support and tools that will be empowering for your child.
Start the journey toward wellness today by calling 888.890.7141 or visiting us online.
