Questions People Have About OCD in Teens

OCD in teens can be exhausting and overwhelming. It’s heartbreaking to watch your teen struggle with obsessive thoughts and feel trapped in rituals they can’t control. You want to help, but you might not know how. In this post, I’ll answer some of the most common questions about OCD. Whether you’re a parent watching your teen struggle or a teen dealing with OCD yourself, this post is for you.

What Does OCD Mean?

OCD stands for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. It causes overwhelming anxiety, usually about things that aren’t likely to happen. To get rid of the anxiety, a person feels like they have to do certain rituals—like washing their hands over and over, checking things repeatedly, or arranging items a certain way. The problem is, the relief doesn’t last, and the cycle starts again.

What Are Some Common OCD Behaviors?

OCD can look different for everyone, but here are some common patterns:

• Fear of contamination – Feeling gross after touching something (usually a specific object) and needing to wash over and over.
• Need for symmetry – Feeling anxious if things aren’t lined up just right.
• Intrusive thoughts – Scary or upsetting thoughts that won’t go away, like imagining a house fire and needing to check the stove multiple times.
• Compulsive checking – Repeatedly making sure doors are locked, the oven is off, or homework is just right before turning it in.

If your teen seems trapped in a pattern of obsessive thoughts and compulsions, they may be dealing with OCD.

How Do You Manage OCD in Teens?

The good news? OCD is treatable. The best approach includes therapy, and in some cases, medication. Here’s what treatment usually looks like:

• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): This therapy helps teens face their fears step by step without doing the compulsions. For example, if a teen has contamination OCD, they might practice touching something “dirty” without washing their hands right away. Over time, their anxiety lessens.
• Medication: Some teens benefit from medication, but not all need it. A psychiatrist can help determine if it’s a good option.

Supporting Your Teen

Living with OCD can be tough, making school, friendships, and everyday life feel overwhelming. But with the right help, teens can learn to manage their OCD and feel more in control. If your teen is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Help is available, and they don’t have to face this alone.

Helping teens grow and families improve connection,

Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT