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If your child is stuck in weird rituals or can’t stop asking the same question over and over… and you’re starting to worry this is more than a phase—you’re not alone.
I’ve sat across from so many parents who’ve said, “I don’t know what’s going on, but this isn’t my kid.”It’s scary. It’s confusing. And it’s not your fault.
OCD isn’t something your child is choosing. It’s something happening in their brain—and once you understand what’s driving it, you can finally start helping them feel better.
In this blog, we’ll walk through what actually causes OCDin children and teens, answer the big questions parents ask me every week, and talk about what you can do right now to support your child, without guessing.
What is OCD in Children?
OCD isn’t about being extra tidy or liking things “just so.” It’s a brain hiccup that causes kids to get stuck in scary thoughts and feel like they have to do something to make the anxiety go away.
- Obsessionsare unwanted, intrusive thoughtsthat create a lot of fear or worry.
- Compulsionsare the rituals or actions kids feel drivento do to feel safe—like handwashing, checking, or repeating things.
For example: A child afraid of germs might wash their hands so many times they start to hurt. Not because they want to, but because their brain is telling them they have to.
Even when kids knowtheir thoughts don’t make sense, OCD makes it hard to stop. That’s what makes it so tough for them and for you.
What Causes OCD in Children?
This is the question nearly every parent asks me: “Why is this happening? Did I miss something?”
There’s no single answer. OCD usually shows up because of a bunch of things coming together—not just one event or cause. And I want you to know—this is not your fault.
For many kids, it’s a mix of stuff like:
- Family history.OCD or anxiety can run in families, even if it looks different from one person to the next.
- How their brain works.Some kids’ brains handle fear and decisions a bit differently—especially in certain parts of the brain.
- Brain chemistry.Pediatric OCD can be linked to how the brain uses serotonin, which helps keep thoughts and feelings in check.
- Stress or illness. Big life changes, trauma, or even infections like strep (yes, that’s related to PANDAS) can trigger or worsen OCD symptoms in children.
Can Stress or Trauma Trigger OCD in Kids?
I’ve seen this happen way too many times to count. A kid goes through something really tough, and then suddenly their brain is on high alert. They start feeling like if they don’t do certain things again and again, something bad will happen. That’s often how OCD sneaks in.
Now, stress or trauma by themselves don’t just causeOCD out of nowhere. But for kids who are already a bit more sensitive or anxious, those hard experiences can flip the switch and bring childhood trauma and ocd to life.
Here are some real-life triggers I see a lot:
- Big life changes,like moving to a new home, starting a new school, or losing someone close
- Tough experiences, like getting bullied, being in a car accident, or going through something scary
- Ongoing stress,like constant fighting at home or feeling like they haveto be perfect all the time

Is OCD Hereditary?
The short answer? Often, yes, OCD tends to run in families.
If a parent or brother or sister has OCD, it’s more likely your kid might develop it too—but it’s not a sure thing. Researchers have found some genes linked to OCD, but it’s not like there’s one magic gene causing it. It’s usually a mix of genetics andlife stuff.
Honestly, knowing this helped one mom I worked with stop blaming herself. She said, “It was such a relief to realize this isn’t about how I raised my kid.”And she’s right—it’s not about parenting.
It’s more about how their brain is wired and how different factors come together over time. So, genes might set the stage, but environment and experiences also have a big say.
How Does OCD Affect a Child’s Daily Life?
OCD can mess with your child’s day in a lot of ways—it’s not just “quirky” behaviors. It can make school, friendships, and even family time way harder than they should be.
Here’s what I see most often:
- At school:Your kid might have a hard time focusing or getting homework done because their mind won’t stop racing with worries or rituals. Sometimes they don’t join in class because they’re feeling overwhelmed.
- At home:Family routines can get all out of whack when your child feels like they haveto do certain things again and again—or keep needing you to reassure them.
- With friends:A lot of kids avoid hanging out or joining activities because they’re scared their OCD will flare up or things won’t feel “right.”
What Are the Signs of OCD in Children?
Noticing OCD signs early on can really make a difference. The sooner you catch it, the sooner your child can get support that helps them feel better.
Here are some common things parents often notice:
- Handwashing way too much.Your child might be scared of germs and wash their hands over and over, even when they’re not really dirty.
- Checking stuff again and again.Maybe they keep going back to check the door locks, the stove, or if their homework is perfect.
- Counting or lining things up perfectly.They might feel like things have to be in a certain order, or they have to count over and over until it “feels right.”
- Always asking for reassurance.Your kid might keep asking if everything is okay or needing you to tell them they’re safe.
- Avoiding certain places or activities.Sometimes, they just won’t go somewhere because it triggers their worries or compulsions.
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How is OCD Diagnosed in Children?
Diagnosing OCD involves a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional.
Diagnostic Process:
- Clinical Interview:Gathering information about the child’s symptoms, behavior patterns, and family history.
- Assessment Tools:Utilization of standardized questionnaires and rating scales.
- Observation:Monitoring the child’s behavior in different settings.
Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and can prevent the worsening of symptoms.
What Treatments are Available for Children with OCD?
Effective treatment for OCD often involves a combination of therapy, medication, and family support.
Treatment Options:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy(CBT):Particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which helps children face their fears and reduce compulsive behaviors.
- Medication:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors(SSRIs) may be prescribed in some cases.
- Family Therapy:Educating family members to support the child’s treatment and reduce accommodating behaviors.
- School Support:Collaborating with educators to provide accommodationsand support within the school environment.
What Do Other Experts Say?
“Children with OCD often feel isolated. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to helping them regain control.”
— Dr. Susan Dailey, Child Psychiatrist
“Parental involvement in therapy significantly improves outcomes for children with OCD.”
— Dr. Michael Thompson, Clinical Psychologist
Parent Action Steps
FAQs
What age does OCD typically start in children?
OCD often begins in childhood or adolescence, with symptoms commonly appearing between ages 8 and 12.
Can OCD go away on its own?
While symptoms may fluctuate, OCD typically requires treatment to manage effectively. Early intervention leads to better outcomes.
Is my child’s behavior just a phase?
While some rituals are part of normal development, persistent, distressing, and impairing behaviors may indicate OCD.
How can I support my child at home?
Maintain open communication, avoid enabling compulsions, and collaborate with professionals for guidance.
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 CareControlling 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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