How to Talk to Children About Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Children can develop obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) just as easily as adults. In fact, obsessive compulsive disorder has been known to manifest in children as young as four or five. While obsessive compulsive disorder most commonly occurs in young adults, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of OCD, so you can tell whether your child may have it. If you think your child may have OCD, get a definite diagnosis from a doctor, then talk to her about obsessive compulsive disorder and what is means for her.

Instructions

1. Talk to your child in a cheerful, comforting environment, so the child doesn't feel overwhelmed or frightened. Sitting outside in a sunny place or in a room filled with the child's favorite toys are ideal locations.

2. Tell your child that she is not the only person in the world to suffer from OCD and that plenty of other children have it, too. Assure her that it does not make her crazy or weird or different in any way and that it is okay that she has this condition. Tell her having OCD is just part of who she is, like having blue eyes or brown hair.

3. Let your child know that the choice to tell her friends about her condition is hers and hers alone. Whether her symptoms are obvious or not, she does not owe it to anyone to explain her actions. However, if she wishes to explain her condition to her friends, that is okay.

4. Tell your child that there are treatment options available, such as medication and cognitive therapy. Talk about the pros and cons of the different therapies with your child and discuss together which treatments she might pursue.

5. Prepare yourself before your conversation. Read up on OCD, its symptoms, treatments and prognosis, so that you are ready to answer any questions your child may have about the condition.

Tips & Warnings

• Some communities have support groups for children with OCD. These groups are helpful because they allow children to see that other children have it, too, which goes a long way toward making any child feel better about having the condition. Talk to your child's doctor or psychiatrist to find out whether there are any support groups in your area.

• If your child wishes, arrange to talk to her class about OCD. This might be a good idea if your child's symptoms are obvious, so that other children will know your child's strange behavior is not something she can control, but that it doesn't make her different and that it isn't something other children can catch.