OCD in Children

Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in kids involves intrusive, upsetting thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive actions or mental rituals (compulsions) aimed at easing anxiety. It’s not about being neat or quirky; it’s an anxiety disorder that can consume hours of a child’s day.

Common signs

Repeated hand-washing, checking locks, or arranging items “just right.”
Mental rituals: silent counting, praying, or replaying events to feel “safe.”
Distress if routines are interrupted.
School delays from lengthy morning rituals.

Left untreated, OCD shrinks a child’s world and fuels family stress. Early help matters.

What helps

ERP (Exposure & Response Prevention): gradually face obsessions while resisting rituals—gold-standard treatment in individual therapy.
Parent accommodation reduction: learn supportive scripts via SPACE training.
Psycho-education: understanding OCD lowers shame and blame.

These approaches are delivered in one-on-one parent coaching and our Parenting Anxious Children group.

Treatment at FFEW

Individual ERP for children 8–10 and teens 11–19.
Parent SPACE sessions to change the family cycle.
Anxiety Skills groups build coping alongside peers—see Anxiety Skills Kids 9-12.
Learn more on our detailed page: Childhood OCD.

Clinicians specialising in paediatric OCD

Dr. Zia Lakdawalla – ERP, CBT, parent coaching
Dr. Lana Zinck – SPACE and collaborative solutions
Cassandra Harmsen – ACT + ERP blend
Ola Obaro – school-refusal OCD and family work

FAQs — OCD in Children

1. Is OCD just a phase?

No. While routines are common in childhood, distressing rituals that hinder life need treatment.

2. Should I reassure or stop rituals?

Gentle coaching to delay rituals (with therapist guidance) works better than repeated reassurance.

3. Can medication help?

SSRIs can support therapy for moderate-to-severe OCD. We collaborate with paediatricians when needed.

4. My child hides rituals—how do I know?

Look for excessive time in the bathroom, long bedtime routines, or unexplained delays.

5. How long is ERP treatment?

Many kids show improvement in 12–20 sessions when parents actively support ERP at home.