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Have you noticed your child getting stuck in a loop—rewriting homework over and over, arranging their pillows just right, or checking under the bed again and again?
At first, it might seem like perfectionism or one of those quirky kid habits… but when it starts taking over bedtime, homework, or your whole morning routine, it could besomething more. And that’s where knowing the signs really matters.
OCDshows up differently in every child, and those early patterns are so easy to miss. But when these behaviors start to interfere with everyday life, it’s time to trust that parent gut and take a closer look.
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
OCD affects millions of children and adults worldwide. At its core, it’s a brain-based condition where:
- Unwanted thoughts (obsessions) trigger intense anxiety
- The only way to feel some relief is by performing certain actions (compulsions) repeatedly
Characteristics of Obsessions:
- Negative thoughts, urges, or mental images (Singh et al., 2023)
- Invade the mind, causing intense distress and anxiety
Individuals then feel compelled to perform specific actions (compulsions) to reassure themselves and prevent losing control.
Characteristics of Compulsions:
- Repetitive actions or rituals
- Feel impossible to resist
- Driven by the desperate need to ease the anxiety or silence obsessive thoughts
That’s why I always say: when you calm the brain, everything changes. Understanding what’s really happening is the first step toward helping your child feel better.
What are Common OCD symptoms?
How is OCD tested?
There is no single definitive OCD test.
Instead, a mental health professional digs beneath the surface, asking thoughtful questions and really tuning in to what your child experiences.
We base our assessments on guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to piece everything together.
If something feels off, don’t hesitate to get a proper screening—it can bring some much-needed clarity and help you find the right support for your child.
Why Do I Need to Get My Child Tested for OCD?
When your child’s behaviors or rituals start getting in the way of everyday life, it’s time to take a closer look. Testing can help you understand whether it’s OCD or something else going on, so you can stop guessing and start getting the right support. A good evaluation is the first step toward real relief—for both your child and your family.
An OCD test helps by:
- Identifying symptoms early
- Ensuring an accurate diagnosis
- Guiding mental health professionals to develop a personalized treatment plan
- Preventing further emotional distress
- Improving your child’s overall quality of life
Early identification means you can support your child with the right tools and strategies, setting the stage for lasting positive change.
Does it include blood tests?
Blood tests are not typically part of the diagnostic process. Instead, they may be used to rule out other medical conditions that could mimic OCD symptoms.
Are there risks involved?
Testing for obsessive-compulsive disorder itself is generally non-invasive and poses minimal physical risks.
What do I need to prepare when taking my child for an OCD disorder test?
- Keep a record of your child’s symptoms—how often they happen and how strong they feel.
- Gather any family stories about mental health that might give the clinician clues. Think of it like handing over a roadmap that guides understanding
- Make a list of all meds, supplements, and remedies your child takes—prescriptions or over-the-counter.
- Be ready to talk about any past mental health treatments or therapies your child has tried. Even old information can point toward new paths worth exploring.
- Write down any questions or worries you have about your child’s symptoms or the screening itself.
What Tests are Done to Diagnose OCD?
Clinical Interviews
- Conducted by psychiatrists or psychologists
- Gather information on obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors
- Ask about impact on daily life and distress levels
Diagnostic Criteria
- Based on DSM-5 guidelines by the American Psychiatric Association
- Outlines specific criteria necessary for OCD diagnosis
Self-Report Measures
- Questionnaires or surveys completed by the individual
- Assess presence and severity of OCD symptomsthrough Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) (Rowa et al., 2024)
- Involves therapist-client collaboration for deeper insight
Observation
- Mental health professionals observe behaviors
- Identifyspecific rituals or compulsions
- Understand environmental triggers and daily impact
Functional Assessment
- Evaluates how symptoms affect daily functioning
- Questions about time spent on obsessions and compulsions
- Measures interference with activities and emotional distress
Medical Evaluation
- Performed by medical doctors
- Includes blood tests and physical exams
- Rules out physical conditions that may mimic OCD symptoms
Collaboration with healthcare providers and licensed therapists ensures a holistic approach to understanding and addressing the various factors influencing OCD symptoms.
How Can QEEG Brain Mapping Help Diagnose OCD?
In my Ridgefield, CT clinic, I’ve completed over 10,000 QEEG brain maps.
It’s hands down one of the most powerful tools we use—right up there with a thorough clinical interview—to really get to the bottom of what’s going on in your child’s brain.
A QEEG brain map (short for Quantitative Electroencephalogram) gives us a peek into real-time brainwave activity and spots where things aren’t running smoothly.
When we’re looking at OCD, here’s what this tool helps us uncover:
- Detect overactivity in the frontal lobes
- Pinpoint patterns linked to compulsive thoughts
- Identify brainwave imbalances affecting decision-making and emotion regulation
- Reveal stuck brain states that make shifting away from obsessive thinking hard
- Rule out other neurological contributors
- Tailor treatment based on what your child’s brain actually needs
Proper diagnosis is crucial in getting the right treatment, and this is why this QEEG brain mapping is the first step in myBrainBehaviorReset Program.
Here’s a demonstration video of how QEEG brain mapping works:
What Can a QEEG Brain Map Reveal About OCD?
When we look at your child’s QEEG brain map results, we’re not just scanning brainwaves—we’re pulling together a bigger picture.
This isn’t just about numbers on a screen—it’s about connecting the dots.
Signs that your child may have OCD:
- Stuck in repetitive thoughts or rituals for a long period that feel impossible to ignore.
- Fighting off intrusive thoughts or urges but just can’t seem to win that battle.
- Compulsive behaviors might offer short-term relief, but they’re not wanted or enjoyed.
- Unpleasant thoughts and actions interfere with their schoolwork, friendships, or family life.
- The symptoms aren’t explained by medication, substance use, or another medical issue.
Best Treatment Options for OCD in Children
Once a full assessment confirms an OCD diagnosis, it’s time to explore treatment options.
Medications like SSRIs may offer temporary relief—but they come with side effects and shouldn’t be the first choice for a developing brain.
A personalized, brain-calming approach is often more effective. Here are some of the most effective, brain-calming treatments for OCD:
1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
This combination is considered the gold standard (Law & Boisseau, 2019). It teaches your child how to face fears gradually, one step at a time, without falling back into compulsive behaviors.
Imagine it like this: your child learns how to stop running from the “what ifs” and starts standing up to them. ERP helps break the cycle by exposing them to triggers in a safe, supported way so their brain stops hitting the panic button.
2. PEMF Therapy
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) sends low-level electromagnetic waves into the body to support cellular healing and brain regulation. While it’s been used for pain and sleep issues, we use it to quiet down that overstimulated brain.
Need an on-the-go option? Our portable Calm PEMF™ devicemakes it easy to incorporate this into daily life without skipping a beat.
3. Neurofeedback
It is a well-researched, safe, and effective way to calm the nervous system. It trains the brain to self-regulate by providing real-time feedback on brainwave activity.
Let me tell you about Mickey. He had already tried ERP therapy three times but his nervous system was just too revved up to even begin.
We started him on neurofeedbackto calm those hyperactive brainwaves, and that’s when things really started to shift. Eventually, he could tolerate ERP exposures and completely kicked OCD to the curb.
An effective treatment plan usually blends different therapies, customized for each person’s unique needs. This might mean regular individual or group therapy sessions, thoughtful medication management, nourishing diet changes, targeted supplements, and putting therapy tools into practice every day.
Taking a holistic approachhelps cover all angles of how OCD affects someone’s life.
Living with OCD: Finding Hope in Daily Challenges
Managing OCD means more than just dealing with symptoms—it’s about discovering coping skills, finding reassurance when needed, and building a strong support system for your whole family. Understanding common obsessions and triggers helps parents create a safe space where open conversationscan happen without judgment.
I want to remind everyone that recovery isn’t a straight path. It calls for regular check-ins, shifting treatment plans, and knocking down myths that cling stubbornly around OCD.
Getting an accurate diagnosis lays the foundation for effective treatment. When families understand assessment methods and reach out for professional guidance, children can begin a hopeful journey toward better mental health and a fuller life.
Parent Action Steps
☐ Listen to myIt’s Gonna Be OK! Podcastand theOCD series to learn more about OCD.
☐ Watch for signs of distress or repetitive behaviors in your child.
☐ Keep a journal to track your child’s OCD behaviors and patterns.
☐ Collaborate with a healthcare provider to get OCD tests and explore therapies like CBT and ERP.
☐ Offer consistent emotional support for your child dealing with compulsive symptoms.
☐ Understand your child’s challenges without reinforcing compulsive behaviors.
☐ Take theOCD Quizto find the right solutions for your child.
☐ Use theSolutions Matcherto get personalized treatments for OCD.
FAQs
How can parents recognize if their child might have OCD?
Look for signs like repetitive thoughts or rituals that take up a lot of time, difficulty stopping intrusive thoughts, compulsive behaviors that don’t bring joy, and interference with daily life such as school or friendships.
What are the most effective treatments for OCD in children?
A combination of therapies usually works best. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), neurofeedback, and sometimes supportive medication under careful supervision can help. A holistic approach also includes lifestyle and emotional support.
How important is an accurate diagnosis for OCD?
Crucial. Accurate diagnosis ensures that treatment targets the right challenges, avoids unnecessary medications, and focuses on effective strategies like therapy and brain regulation techniques.
Citations
Law, C., & Boisseau, C. L. (2019). Exposure and Response Prevention in the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Current Perspectives. Psychology research and behavior management, 12, 1167–1174. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S211117
Rowa, K., Scott, A., Storch, E. A., Goodman, W. K., McCabe, R. E., & Antony, M. M. (2024). Psychometric Properties of the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale, Second Edition, Self-Report (Y-BOCS-II-SR). Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 100932. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocrd.2024.100932
Singh, A., Anjankar, V. P., & Sapkale, B. (2023). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): A Comprehensive Review of Diagnosis, Comorbidities, and Treatment Approaches. Cureus, 15(11), e48960. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.48960
Dr. Roseannis a mental health expert in Neurodivergence who is frequently in the media:
- Business Insider How to practice ‘autonomy-supported parenting’ to boost your family’s wellbeing
- HealthlineGet Stuff Done: A Realistic Guide to Working From Home with Kids
- Love Shack LiveHow To Navigate The Parenting Journey As A Couple
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.
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