A Teen’s Guide for OCD (+1 Rewarding Tip to Manage Obsessive Thoughts)

OCD isn’t just about being squeaky clean or overly organized. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that affects people of all ages, including children, teens, and adults. It’s more common than you might think—studies show that anywhere from 0.25% to 4% of children and adolescents may develop symptoms of OCD.

How Do I Know It’s OCD?

Getting an official diagnosis of OCD requires a clinical evaluation by a mental health professional or licensed healthcare provider. It’s not something you can accurately diagnose yourself.

OCD is usually marked by persistent thoughts, images, or ideas—known as obsessions—that just won’t go away. These obsessions often lead to behaviors called compulsions, which are actions you feel compelled to perform to reduce the stress caused by the obsessive thoughts. For example, someone might repeatedly check if the door is locked because of an obsessive fear of being robbed.

What Causes OCD?

The exact cause of OCD remains unknown, but certain factors have been linked to its development in children and teens:

• Genetics: If you have a parent, sibling, or close family member with OCD, you might be at a higher risk of developing it, especially if they were diagnosed as a child or teen.
• Brain Structure: Some research has found a connection between OCD symptoms and abnormalities in certain parts of the brain, like the frontal cortex.
• Environment: Stressful environments, trauma, or high levels of anxiety—whether from school, relationships, or other sources—can also contribute to the development of OCD symptoms.

Can OCD Develop Suddenly?

While OCD often develops gradually, there are cases where it can appear suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere. One such instance is a condition called Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). In PANDAS, a child might develop OCD symptoms suddenly after a strep infection. This happens because the child’s immune system, while fighting off the infection, mistakenly attacks a part of the brain called the basal ganglia, leading to OCD symptoms.

OCD in Children and Adolescents

OCD is composed of two main components: obsessions and compulsions. It’s important to note that just because a child or teen occasionally feels the urge to double-check something or follow a routine doesn’t mean they have OCD. The table below lists some common obsessions and compulsions associated with OCD.

Approved Treatments for OCD

The most recommended treatment for OCD is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In some cases, doctors might also prescribe medication alongside CBT to help manage the symptoms.

Try This One Rewarding Tip to Manage Obsessive Thoughts

I was diagnosed with OCD when I was 8 years old. My obsession centered around breathing and swallowing—I was convinced that I might accidentally swallow my tongue. Just so you know, it’s nearly impossible to do that, but my mind was certain it could happen any day.

So, what’s my go-to strategy? I started making fun of my worries out loud and reminding myself that I am not my obsessions. Whenever the thoughts cropped up, I’d tease myself—without being too harsh—by saying things like, “Really, you’re going to swallow your tongue? Watch out, maybe your whole head will collapse into itself!” I found humor in my thoughts, and saying them aloud helped take away their power.

So, when you’re feeling anxious, try teasing yourself a little bit. Say your anxious thoughts out loud. Hearing them might help you realize how unlikely they are to happen, and that can make them less scary.

I hope this helps!