Could it be time to test for OCD? Have you noticed your child displaying repetitive behaviors, persistent worries, or struggling with daily routines? Keep in mind that OCD can look different in every child, and some signs might even seem like normal behaviors at first.
For instance, has your child been erasing and rewriting their homework repeatedly to make it “perfect”? Do they have a precise routine, like checking under the bed multiple times, turning the light switches on and off, or arranging their pillows perfectly before they can sleep?
While this might seem like simple perfectionism or odd behaviors, it could be a sign of compulsive behavior tied to anxiety. Identifying these signs early could open the door to effective support and lasting relief. Parents who seek reassurance should seek advice from a licensed mental health professional, as early intervention can lead to proper treatment.
Table of Contents
- What is OCD?
- How Is OCD tested? FAQs
- What do I need to prepare?
- Assessment, criteria, and tools
- QEEG brain mapping
- OCD treatment options
- Parent Action Steps
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
OCD, also known as obsessive compulsive disorder, affects millions of people worldwide. It is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that individuals feel driven to perform.
- Obsessions are negative thoughts, urges, or mental images that invade the mind, causing intense distress and anxiety. Individuals then feel compelled to perform specific actions (compulsions) to reassure themselves and prevent losing control.
- Compulsions are repetitive actions or rituals that feel impossible to resist, driven by the desperate need to ease the anxiety or silence the relentless, obsessive thoughts.
These behaviors significantly interfere with their daily life and affect children in their ability to complete tasks, engage in social activities, and participate in family interactions.
Common OCD symptoms
How is OCD tested?
There is no single definitive OCD test, but a diagnosis is typically based on a thorough assessment by a mental health professional. The diagnostic criteria for OCD are outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Getting the help of a mental health professional can help administer OCD screening.
Why do I need to get my child tested?
OCD testing can help determine if your child's behavioral symptoms are caused by OCD or something else. If rituals and behaviors interfere with your daily lives, it's time for a screening. Testing is the first step to having OCD treated.
Why is testing important?
An obsessive compulsive disorder test helps identify symptoms early, ensuring an appropriate treatment plan is in place to improve quality of life and prevent further emotional distress. This will help mental health professionals guide their assessments and ensure accurate diagnoses to develop the right approach tailored to each individual.
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 diary or log of your child’s symptoms, noting how often they occur and how intense they are.
- Gather any family history of mental health conditions to share with the clinician.
- Make a list of all medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements your child is taking.
- Be ready to discuss any previous mental health treatments or therapies your child has had.
- Write down any questions or concerns about your child’s symptoms or the screening process.
Assessment, Criteria, and Tools Used to Get OCD Diagnosed
Clinical Interviews
Mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists or psychologists, often conduct detailed interviews to gather information about the individual’s anxious thoughts and behaviors. They may ask about the nature of obsessive thoughts and compulsions, their impact on daily life, and the level of distress they cause.
Diagnostic Criteria
The diagnosis of OCD is usually made using standardized criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association. The DSM-5 is an OCD diagnostic test that outlines specific criteria necessary for an OCD diagnosis.
Self-Report Measures
Individuals may be asked to complete a self-report OCD questionnaire or survey that assesses the presence and severity of OCD symptoms. The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) is a commonly used diagnostic tool and really the gold standard of OCD assessments.
In our program, our expert OCD therapists fill out the Y-BOCS with the client because it is a great way to really understand how compulsive or ritualistic behavior impacts one’s life.
Observation
Mental health professionals may observe the individual's behavior to identify specific rituals or compulsive actions. This can provide valuable information about the environmental factors and impact of the compulsions.
Functional Assessment
Understanding how OCD symptoms impact the individual's daily functioning is essential. Questions may be asked about how much time is spent on obsessions and compulsions, the level of interference with daily activities, and the distress caused.
Medical Evaluation for OCD by a Mental Health Professional
A thorough evaluation by medical doctors is important to rule out any physical conditions that may contribute to or mimic OCD symptoms. Ruling out physical conditions through a blood test and physical exam is a crucial step.
Collaboration with healthcare providers and licensed therapists ensures a holistic approach to understanding and addressing the various factors influencing OCD symptoms.
QEEG Brain Mapping for OCD Diagnosis
In my Ridgefield, CT Clinic, I’ve conducted over 10,000 QEEG brain maps, and it’s one of the most powerful tools coupled with a clinical assessment we use to understand what’s happening in the brain and to diagnose OCD. A QEEG brain map measures brainwave activity and highlights areas of dysregulation.
The brain pattern of OCD involves overactivity in the frontal lobes, which play a key role in decision-making and emotional regulation. Proper diagnosis is crucial in getting the right treatment, and this is why this QEEG brain mapping is the first step in my BrainBehaviorReset Program.
A QEEG brainmap eliminates the guesswork of a diagnosis. By evaluating brain wave activities, I can direct you to the most effective treatment based on your brain patterns and needs.
What do the QEEG Brain Map for OCD results indicate?
To interpret the results of an OCD screening test, your healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms, review your medical history, and consider the outcomes of additional assessments.
Your child’s symptoms may indicate OCD if:
- They spend significant time each day consumed by repetitive thoughts or rituals.
- They seem unable to stop intrusive thoughts or control compulsive behaviors.
- Their behaviors may temporarily ease their anxiety, but they don’t enjoy or want to perform them.
- These unpleasant thoughts and actions interfere with their schoolwork, friendships, or family life.
- The symptoms are not caused by substance abuse or another medical condition.
OCD Treatment Options
Once a comprehensive assessment has been conducted and an accurate diagnosis of OCD has been established, the next crucial step is exploring various options to treat OCD. It’s important to note that the effectiveness of treatment can vary among individuals, and a personalized approach is often necessary.
Medication such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs should not be the first line of defense for a developing brain. It may provide temporary relief, but not without side effects.
Here are some holistic approaches for managing OCD:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and ERP for OCD
One of the cornerstones in treating OCD is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, specifically Exposure and Response Prevention(ERP) and talk therapy.
In response prevention therapy, people with OCD are gradually exposed to the thoughts, images, and situations that trigger an anxiety disorder while learning healthier ways to cope without resorting to compulsive behaviors. This evidence-based approach is widely recognized for its effectiveness in helping people regain control over their lives.
PEMF Therapy for OCD
PEMF therapy involves the application of electromagnetic fields to the body, and it has been studied for various medical conditions, including some mental health disorders. The theoretical basis for its use in mental health is related to its impact on brain activity and neurotransmitter regulation. Check out our portable Calm PEMF device here.
Neurofeedback for OCD
When Mickey came to us with OCD, he had already tried ERP therapy three times but his brain is too activated to make it through. It wasn’t until he began neurofeedback to calm and regulate his brain that he was able to tolerate exposures and completely overcome his OCD.
Neurofeedback is a well-researched, safe, and effective way to calm the nervous system and retrain anxious brain waves.
An effective treatment plan often involves a combination of therapeutic modalities tailored to the individual's needs. This may include regular sessions of individual or group therapy, medication management, a healthy diet, supplementation, and incorporating strategies learned in therapy into daily life. A holistic approach ensures that various aspects of the individual's experience with OCD are addressed.
Living with OCD: Finding Hope in Daily Challenges
Coping mechanisms, seeking reassurance, and building a support system for family members are integral components of managing OCD. Understanding the common symptoms and common obsessions can help parents understand their triggers. Equipped with this knowledge, you can provide a safe space for open communication and create a supportive environment.
The journey to recovery involves ongoing assessment, adjustments to treatment plans, and breaking the myths surrounding this mental health disorder. OCD is not just excessive hand washing; it's definitely more than that!
Accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective OCD treatment. By understanding the various assessment methods and seeking professional help, children can take on a journey toward improved mental health and a better quality of life.
Parent Action Steps
☐ Learn more about OCD by listening to my It’s Gonna Be OK! Podcast and the OCD series.
☐ Be attentive to your child's behavior, noting any signs of significant distress or repetitive behaviors.
☐ Observe your child and keep a journal of your child's OCD behaviors
☐ Collaborate with a healthcare provider to do OCD tests and explore therapies like CBT and ERP.
☐ Be a source of emotional support for your child with compulsive symptoms or related disorders.
☐ Understanding your child’s challenges without enabling compulsive behaviors.
☐ Take the OCD Quiz to find the right solutions for your child.
☐ Use the Solutions Matcher to get personalized treatments for OCD.
Citations
Shupak, N. M., Prato, F. S., & Thomas, A. W. (2003, December). Therapeutic uses of pulsed magnetic-field exposure: A review | URSI Journals & Magazine | IEEE Xplore. Ieeexplore.ieee.org. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/7909506
Tal Harmelech, Roth, Y., & Tendler, A. (2023). Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 46(1), 133–166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2022.10.003
Dr. Roseann is a mental health expert who is frequently in the media:
- Insider: What is OCD?
- MomsCove How to Help a Child with Anxiety and OCD
- Integrative Practitioner: Integrative Approaches to Treating OCD
Dr. Roseann is 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
- Healthline Get Stuff Done: A Realistic Guide to Working From Home with Kids
- Love Shack Live How 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.
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!
Is your child struggling with OCD? Find the right solutions
Take this free OCD quiz
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 2023