Experts estimate thatabout 1 in 200 childrenhave OCD.
The thoughts are called obsessions.
The behaviors are called compulsions.
Jenny Yipbegan dealing with her own OCD as a child.
Now she helps others living with OCD and anxiety.
OCD can occur at any age.
It most commonly shows up around 8 to 12 years old.
Look for any bang out of repetitive behaviors or clinginess.
Whats normal and whats cause for concern?
Most children go through phases of mild idiosyncrasy as they develop.
Temporary quirks, behaviors, or preoccupations may not be worrisome.
If something gets prolonged and worsens, then its time to seek professional help.
Impact and challenges of childhood OCD
OCD can affect a childs social interactions and performance in school.
If its a fear of contamination, it could be everything.
Parenting a child with OCD comes with its own challenges.
Our natural inclination is to nurture and comfort our children.
Its the opposite of what our natural inclination is, and that is the biggest struggle.
How to get help
Childhood OCD can be treated with cognitive behavior therapy and sometimes medication.
When it comes to children, OCD doesnt just affect the child.
OCD affects the entire family, and therefore, treatment needs to involve the entire family.
The CDC recommends these resources:
Psychologist Locator(a service of the American Psychological Association Practice Organization).
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Finder(by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry).
Find a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist(a search tool by the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies).
FindTreatment.gov(a resource for finding treatment facilities).
