OCD is seen in as many as 1 in 200 adolescents, adding recurrent compulsions that alter their youth experience. What are the symptoms of OCD and how to cope?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive, unwelcome, distressing, and disturbing thoughts that cause worry, doubt, and guilt. These are accompanied by solid desires to engage in compulsions specialized to provide clarity, reduce anxiety, and assuage guilt.

In adolescents, OCD in adolescence can contribute to an already tricky developmental stage, as legitimate concerns can become obsessive for this age group.

While only a professional can diagnose OCD, you as a parent can help detect a need for professional help early by paying attention to your habits at home and school.

Here is your detailed guide.

Signs of OCD in Teens

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is divided into two parts: obsessions and compulsions. Habits common in teenagers are similar to many OCD obsessions that continue into maturity.

1. Extreme anxiety about undesirable circumstances or doing anything wrong.
2. Unwanted and disturbing thoughts or pictures of harming oneself or others come to mind. 
3. Concern and stress that doing activities will cause harm to others
4. Believing that they are to blame for unpleasant things that have happened in the past

A worrying or intrusive thought may not be significant in and of itself, but when it occurs frequently enough to disturb daily living, or  when compulsions accompany it, this might be a sign of OCD. 

Compulsions also are common among adolescents with OCD and they include:

1. Constant washing and cleanings, such as hand-washing or excessive showering.
2. Arranging or ordering items in a specific sequence and reordering them regularly if they are not in the “right” position.
3. Mentally evaluating situations intensify 
4. Extreme confessions or apologizing.
5. Pronouncing random words or numbers aloud.
6. Undue reliance on reassurance.

Causes of teen OCD

The specific causes of OCD are unknown, but a few factors are thought to play a role.

1. Biological factors.

According to one explanation, OCD is caused by a malfunction in the circuit in the brain that filters or “censors” the various thoughts, ideas, and impulses received during the day. If your teen has OCD, his/her brain may struggle to decide which ideas and notions to suppress. 

2. Family history.

There could be a higher risk of having OCD if the condition runs in the family. For example, according to research, if your teen has OCD, there is a 25% chance that another direct family member has it as well.

3. Genetics.

Although no unique “OCD gene” has been found, OCD may be associated with specific clusters of genes.

4. Stress.

Stress from unemployment, family troubles, school challenges, illness, or anxiety can be significant triggers for OCD symptoms.

People predisposed to OCD describe a strong desire to exert control over their thoughts and a perception that abnormal or uncommon studies indicate that they are going insane or will lose control. 

Different types of OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder can manifest in a variety of ways. Some teens have obsessions, some only compulsions, while others have both. Although there are no formal subtypes of OCD, research suggests that the most prevalent obsessions and compulsions revolve around:

• Cleanliness vs. contamination fears
• An obsession with order, symmetry, or perfection.
• Taboo thoughts
• Accumulation or hoarding 

Other symptoms of OCD that teens may experience include checking items repeatedly, counting particular objects, and ruminating on specific thoughts or topics.

Coping with OCD as a parent 

1. Open the lines of communication with your teenager.

Many individuals with OCD can trace their symptoms all the way back to their infancy. Adult sufferers recall feelings of humiliation, loneliness, and anxiety and say they wish someone had taken the time to sit down and chat with them about their strange conduct rather than criticize it. Therefore, encourage your teen to express their “concerns” in a nonjudgmental way.

2. Understand how stigma affects a person.

The social stigma of mental illness can add to the existing pressure that many teens are facing to “adapt”. For example, teens with OCD can feel deadlocked and indignant, especially those who are more dependent on adults than their peers.  As a result, feelings of anger and hostility can occur more often than expected. This is one of the reasons why it is important to discuss with teens throughout the treatment process and ensure that teens receive the support they need early. 

3. Be sure to involve the entire family.

Make sure your family understands how OCD can increase usual worries and conflicts. The family also needs to know where to draw the line and where to give in. Family therapy can help everyone have a place to talk about how OCD affects them. This is especially useful for siblings and parents who are learning to work with them.

4. Keep a positive attitude.

When your teen’s recovery from OCD symptoms begins, it’s important for you to encourage them to be realistic about expectations and not to be too hard on themselves. Your child may believe that they have “lost” many teenage years due to OCD. It may take a while longer to earn a driver’s license, a job, a peer group, and close friends, or settle on a future education or vocation. Remind your teen of the skills they have acquired and that they will “catch up” with others with optimism. You can help your loved one continue with patience and a positive attitude.