Estimated reading time: 7 minutesObsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsession) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions can interfere significantly with daily activities and cause distress.I’ve had parents come to me saying they feel hopeless as their child’s condition has been straining their life as a family and individually for years.From my years of experience helping kids and guiding families deal with OCD, believe me when I say that the turmoil you are in now doesn’t have to be your “normal”.Treating OCD in children is a journey, but not forever.

What Triggers OCD in a Child?

The exact cause of OCD is not fully understood, but these are some of the factors that may contribute:

• Genetics: A family history of OCD can increase risk.
• Brain structure and function: Differences in certain brain areas may be involved.
• Environmental factors: Stressful life events or infections (e.g., streptococcal infections leading to PANDAS) can trigger symptoms .

It's important to remember that OCD is a neurobiological disorder, not a result of parenting style or personal weakness.Concerned about your child's behaviors?Take our OCD Quiz to assess symptoms and learn about next steps.

Understanding the Role of Family in OCD Treatment

As a parent, your instinct is to protect and comfort your child but when it comes to treating OCD in children, those very instincts can unintentionally make things harder.

• OCD is a brain-based disorder, not something your child can just “snap out of.”
• Behavior is communication—those rituals or meltdowns are how your child copes with distressing intrusive thoughts.
• Accommodation is common. Without realizing it, parents often:
  • Reassure too often (“Don’t worry, nothing bad will happen.”)
  • Avoid triggers (“Okay, we won’t go if it stresses you out.”)
  • Help complete compulsions (“Let me check it for you so you can feel better.”)

Each time we step in to “fix” it for them, we’re unknowingly feeding what I call the “OCD monster.”OCD loves predictability and safety. When we accommodate it, we teach the brain that it needs rituals to feel okay. That keeps the brain stuck.https://youtu.be/zYYtcvTB9N8

So what can you do instead?

• Get educated about how OCD really works (Hint: It’s not about being neat or organized).
• Work with a therapist who involves the whole family—not just the child.
• Learn how to respond differently when OCD shows up.
• Focus on calming the brain first, then teaching new coping strategies.

Therapy-Based Treatments for OCD in Children

The best way to treat OCD in children is by combining proven therapies that calm the brain and teach new behaviors.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

ERP is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that involves exposing the child to their fears and preventing the compulsive response.Benefits of ERP:

• Helps children face fears gradually
• Reduces anxiety over time
• Teaches coping strategies

ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)

ACT helps children learn to accept their intrusive thoughts without giving in to compulsions. It teaches them to live by their values—not their fears.

• Builds psychological flexibility
• Helps kids sit with discomfort without reacting
• Great for kids who are highly anxious or avoidant
• Encourages healthy thinking instead of black-and-white thinking

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)MBCT combines mindfulness with cognitive strategies that help children look into their thoughts without getting overwhelmed in them

• Increases awareness of obsessive thought patterns
• Reduces automatic responses to triggers
• Supports emotional regulation and calm thinking

Real-life benefit: Kids often say they feel more in control of their brains and bodies after practicing mindfulness consistently.

Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback trains the brain to regulate itself by providing real-time feedback on brain activity.Benefits of Neurofeedback:

• Non-invasive and drug-free
• Improves focus and emotional regulation
• Complements other therapies

Natural and Holistic Approaches to OCD

OCD lives in a stressed-out, overactive nervous system. Teaching your child to regulate their body can make a big difference in managing obsessions and compulsions.Here are some proven tools to try:

• Nutrition: Balanced diets rich in omega-3s and magnesium.
• Supplements: Under professional guidance, supplements like inositol may help.
• Mindfulness and Meditation: Techniques to reduce anxiety.
• Physical Activity: Regular exercise to improve mood and reduce stress.
• Deep belly breathing to engage the parasympathetic nervous system
• Progressive muscle relaxation to release stored tension
• Guided imagery or visualization to create a safe mental space
• Yoga or stretching to reduce hyperarousal
• Biofeedback and neurofeedback to train the brain toward calm

What to Expect During OCD Therapy

Treatment is a process:

• Initial Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of symptoms.
• Customized Plan: Tailored therapies based on your child's needs.
• Regular Sessions: Ongoing therapy sessions with progress monitoring.
• Parental Involvement: Active participation in treatment strategies.

Real-Life Success: Overcoming OCD with the BrainBehaviorReset™ Program

When a 7-year-old girl walked through our doors with intense worries, rituals, and overwhelming OCD behaviors, her parents were understandably at their wit’s end. They had tried therapy… even medication… but nothing seemed to calm her racing thoughts or stop the compulsions from taking over daily life.That’s where our BrainBehaviorReset™ Program came in. We didn’t just put a band-aid on the symptoms, we got to the root of what was happening in her brain.What Did Her Plan Look Like?We created a personalized care plan built just for her unique brain and needs. That included:

• Neurofeedback to teach her brain how to self-regulate
• PEMF therapy to promote calm and focus
• Biofeedback to help her manage stress in real time
• Targeted supplements and nutrition tweaks to support her body and brain
• Family coaching so her parents could confidently support her at home
• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) as part of her clinical therapy
• Mindfulness and cognitive strategies to manage intrusive thoughts
• Daily lifestyle changes like sleep, movement, and screen boundaries

This wasn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. We met her exactly where she was—emotionally and neurologically—and gave her tools that actually worked with her brain.Tracking Progress (Because Data Matters)With tools like QEEG brain mapping and clinical symptom checklists, we measured how her brain function and behaviors were improving. We don't guess—we use data to guide our care every step of the way.The Results?Her anxiety softened. Compulsions faded. Her confidence grew. But best of all, the whole family started to feel like themselves again.

When to Seek Professional Help

Early intervention is key. Seek help if:

• OCD behaviors interfere with daily life
• Your child expresses distress about their thoughts or behaviors
• Symptoms persist for more than a few weeks

Consult a pediaric psychologist or psychiatrist experienced in OCD.

Parent Action Steps

Educate yourself and your family about OCDConsult a mental health professional for assessmentEngage in recommended therapies and maintain open communication with your childTake our free quiz to assess OCD symptomsFAQs

What age can OCD start in children?

OCD can begin as early as age 5, but it’s most commonly diagnosed between ages 8 and 12.

Is medication necessary for treating OCD in children?

Not always. Many children respond well to therapies like ERP and neurofeedback. Medication may be considered if symptoms are severe or don’t improve with therapy alone.

Can OCD go away on its own?

It’s unlikely. Without treatment, OCD symptoms can persist or worsen over time. Early intervention leads to better outcomes.

How long does treatment take?

Treatment duration varies. Some children see improvement in a few months, while others may need longer. Consistency and parental support play significant roles.

Can lifestyle changes help manage OCD?

Yes. Regular exercise, proper nutrition, and stress-reduction techniques can support overall treatment.Citations:

• Verywell Health. (2022). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Children. Retrieved from https://www.verywellhealth.com/ocd-in-children-5223732
• Child Mind Institute. (2024). What Does OCD Look Like in Kids? Retrieved from https://childmind.org/article/what-does-ocd-look-like-in-kids/
• Texas Children's Hospital. (2024). Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Retrieved from https://www.texaschildrens.org/content/conditions/pediatric-obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge is a licensed mental health expert that is frequently cited in the media:

• Single Care Controlling the uncontrollable: Living with OCD during a pandemic
• Holistic Counseling Podcast: Effective Treatments for OCD
• Epidemic Answers: Neurofeedback for ADHD, anxiety, OCD and mood

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.

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