Parents navigating the complexities of supporting a child with OCD need reliable resources and support. When obsessions, compulsions and rituals spring up, parents are ill equipped at managing the behaviors and finding expert care can be elusive.
That is exactly why I have created OCD podcasts that can serve as valuable resources for parents seeking guidance, insights, and OCD tools to help address their children's mental health issues.
Listen to Episode 173: Intrusive Thoughts Treatment for OCD and learn how OCD remains widely misunderstood despite its prevalence. I discussed how to help children overcome their OCD habits and intrusive thoughts, which are vital for managing OCD and improving daily life quality.
OCD forms “behavioral habits” through negative reinforcement cycles, sustaining fears and rituals. A person has an irrational fear and by performing a ritual, they receive some relief and therefore behaviors get reinforced in the brain. This negative reinforcement often causes a person to repeat the behavior over and over and is the reason why it is so treatment resistant, especially when one can’t get expert OCD care.
It is imperative to both calm the brain and address behaviors. Calming the OCD brain can involve a variety of science-backed methods, but in our one-to-one program, we recommend mindfulness, breathwork, neurofeedback, PEMF, as well as changing behaviors with individualized support.
One of the most effective types of therapy for OCD is Exposure and Response Prevention or ERP. ERP therapy with an OCD expert is crucial for overcoming intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. This treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder combines cognitive behavioral therapy with exposure to triggers. Treating OCD in children involves gradual exposure and reinforcement, dismantling fears systematically.
Parenting strategies include avoiding accommodating rituals, teaching stress tolerance, and reinforcing coping skills, which are crucial for managing OCD effectively without solely relying on medication.
What You’ll Learn in this OCD Podcast
This podcast exposes the complexities of OCD and provides valuable insights. I also discussed OCD remedies and holistic strategies for parents. It offers informative discussions that explore the science behind OCD, effective treatment modalities, and coping mechanisms for managing symptoms. I aim to equip parents with the tools to support their children's mental well-being by focusing on education, empowerment, and advocacy.
Evidence-based approaches and complementary therapies empower parents to actively participate in their children's treatment journey and foster a holistic approach to mental well-being. Let’s strive to create a supportive environment where families can navigate OCD with confidence and resilience.
Is this OCD Podcast for You?
This OCD podcast is made for parents of children with OCD or related mental health issues. Whether your child has recently been diagnosed with OCD or you're seeking additional resources for ongoing support, this podcast offers invaluable guidance. Educators, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder therapies will also find the podcast informative and helpful.
Providing accessible and informative discussions bridges the gap between scientific research and practical application to empower listeners with the insights and tools needed to support individuals with OCD effectively.
Parents navigating the challenges of OCD firsthand and professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in managing OCD are encouraged to listen in. This podcast offers a wealth of resources and perspectives to guide you toward improved mental well-being for yourself and those you care for.
What You’ll Gain by Listening to These OCD Episodes
After listening to this and other OCD episodes, parents can expect to understand how to treat OCD more effectively to reduce its impact on their children's lives. I share practical strategies for managing symptoms and insights into effective holistic treatment approaches gained from my three decades of experience as a clinical psychologist.
Listening to this podcast and engaging with other episodes dedicated to OCD gives parents a deeper understanding of how to treat the condition more effectively and minimize its impact on their children's lives.
Each episode is a peek into my extensive experience in treating OCD. Listeners can expect to emerge with increased knowledge, confidence, and a renewed sense of hope for their children's journey toward recovery from OCD.
What Others say About Dr. Roseann Podcast
I’m more than happy to share some of the testimonials we got from people who have listened and gained more knowledge through my OCD podcasts. Many parents shared how it made their lives better.
“Dr. Roseann's podcast has been a lifeline for our family as we navigate our son's OCD journey. Her practical advice has helped us better understand his condition and advocate for his needs. We're grateful for her resources.” – Sarah, Parent.
“Listening to Dr. Roseann's podcast has been a game-changer for us. Her expertise in OCD treatment and compassionate approach have given us hope and confidence in supporting our daughter through her struggles. We highly recommend her podcast to any parent seeking guidance on OCD.” – Mark and Emily, Parents.
If you want to help your child break the chain of OCD without medication, download The Natural OCD Thought Tamer Kit. Learn how to manage your child’s compulsions, ritual obsessions, illogical fears, and intrusive thoughts that are taking over their daily life.
What is the science behind OCD?
The science behind OCD involves complex interactions between genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. It's believed to involve dysregulation in certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate, and abnormalities in specific brain circuits, particularly those involving the cortico-striatal-thalamic-cortical (CSTC) loop. Additionally, research suggests a genetic predisposition to OCD, although environmental triggers and life experiences also play a significant role in its development and expression (Nicolini et al., 2009).
How to naturally treat OCD?
To treat OCD naturally, one should use various strategies that may include mindfulness practices like meditation and deep breathing exercises to help manage anxiety and intrusive thoughts. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep can contribute to overall well-being and may alleviate OCD symptoms.
What are nootropics for OCD?
Nootropics like L-theanine, Rhodiola rosea, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) have been studied for their potential benefits in reducing anxiety and promoting mental clarity, which may indirectly help manage OCD symptoms for some individuals.
How long do OCD episodes last?
The duration of OCD episodes can vary significantly from person to person and even within the same individual over time. Episodes may last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours or even days, depending on factors such as the severity of symptoms, individual coping mechanisms, and the effectiveness of treatment strategies.
Does CBD help with OCD?
While some anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD (cannabidiol) may help alleviate symptoms of OCD, scientific research on its effectiveness is still limited. Some studies have shown promising results in reducing anxiety, which is a common symptom associated with OCD, but more research is needed to determine CBD's specific effects on OCD symptoms (Kayser et al., 2020).
What is the most effective treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder?
The most effective treatment for OCD typically involves a combination of therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tailored explicitly for OCD, particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. ERP involves gradually exposing individuals to situations that trigger their obsessions while preventing them from engaging in compulsive behaviors, helping them learn to tolerate anxiety without resorting to rituals.
How to get out of OCD loop?
Getting out of an OCD loop involves employing strategies to interrupt the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. One practical approach is to practice mindfulness, focusing on the present moment and observing intrusive thoughts without reacting to them. Additionally, gradually exposing oneself to triggers while resisting the urge to engage in compulsive behaviors, as guided by a therapist in ERP therapy, can help desensitize the anxiety associated with obsessions.
How debilitating is OCD?
The degree to which OCD can be debilitating varies from person to person, ranging from mild to severe impairment in daily functioning. For some individuals, OCD symptoms may be manageable and have minimal impact on their daily lives. In contrast, for others, OCD can significantly disrupt activities such as work, school, relationships, and overall quality of life. The severity of OCD symptoms, the presence of comorbid conditions, and access to effective treatment all play crucial roles in determining the level of impairment experienced by individuals with OCD.
Citations
Kayser, R. R., Haney, M., Raskin, M., Arout, C., & Simpson, H. B. (2020). Acute effects of cannabinoids on symptoms of obsessive‐compulsive disorder: A human laboratory study. Depression and Anxiety, 37(8). https://doi.org/10.1002/da.23032
Nicolini, H., Arnold, P., Nestadt, G., Lanzagorta, N., & Kennedy, J. L. (2009). Overview of genetics and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Psychiatry Research, 170(1), 7–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2008.10.011
Dr. Roseann is a mental health expert in OCD Treatment who is frequently in the media:
- Hope for Anxiety and OCD: Sudden Onset OCD
- Integrative Practitioner: Integrative Approaches to Treating OCD
- HappiHuman: Is it an Eating Disorder or OCD
Always remember… “Calm Brain, Happy Family™”
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to give health advice and it is recommended to consult with a physician before beginning any new wellness regime. *The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment vary by patient and condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC does not guarantee certain results.
Are you looking for SOLUTIONS for your struggling child or teen?
Dr. Roseann and her team are all about science-backed solutions, so you are in the right place!
Know the #1 thing you can do to improve your kid’s OCD
Dr. Roseann is a Children’s Mental Health Expert and Licensed Therapist who has been featured in/on hundreds of media outlets including The Mel Robbins Show, CBS, NBC, PIX11 NYC, Today, FORBES, CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Business Insider, Women’s Day, Healthline, CNET, Parade Magazine and PARENTS. FORBES called her, “A thought leader in children’s mental health.”
She coined the terms, “Re-entry panic syndrome” and “eco-anxiety” and is a frequent contributor to media on mental health.
Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge has three decades of experience in working with children, teens and their families with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, concussion, dyslexia and learning disability, anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), depression and mood disorder, Lyme Disease, and PANS/PANDAS using science-backed natural mental health solutions such as supplements, magnesium, nutrition, QEEG Brain maps, neurofeedback, PEMF, psychotherapy and other non-medication approaches.
She is the author of three bestselling books, It’s Gonna Be OK!: Proven Ways to Improve Your Child's Mental Health, The Teletherapy Toolkit, and Brain Under Attack. Dr. Roseann is known for offering a message of hope through science-endorsed methods that promote a calm brain.
Her trademarked BrainBehaviorResetⓇ Program and It’s Gonna be OK!Ⓡ Podcast has been a cornerstone for thousands of parents facing mental health, behavioral or neurodevelopmental challenges.
She is the founder and director of The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health, Neurotastic™Brain Formulas and Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC. Dr. Roseann is a Board Certified Neurofeedback (BCN) Practitioner, a Board Member of the Northeast Region Biofeedback Society (NRBS), Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP) and an Amen Clinic Certified Brain Health Coach. She is also a member of The International Lyme Disease and Associated Disease Society (ILADS), The American Psychological Association (APA), Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), International OCD Foundation (IOCDF).
© Roseann-Capanna-Hodge, LLC 2024
