Parenting Teens with OCD
This week’s Let’s All Talk Mental Health session focused on Parenting Teens with OCD, led by consultant clinical psychologist Chloe Volz. Drawing on her extensive experience as head of the National Specialist CAMHS team, Chloe offered parents and carers valuable insights into recognising, understanding, and supporting young people living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
What Is OCD?
OCD is a common but often misunderstood mental health condition. It is defined by two main features: obsessions and compulsions.
Obsessions are intrusive, repetitive, and unwelcome thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety or distress.
Compulsions are repetitive behaviours or mental acts performed to reduce this anxiety. These can be physical actions, such as excessive washing or checking, or mental rituals, such as counting or repeating phrases silently.
OCD can become debilitating when these compulsions take up more than an hour a day, cause significant distress, and interfere with daily life.
Causes and Triggers
While the exact cause of OCD remains unknown, research suggests a genetic link, as it often runs in families. Stressful life events - such as transitions between schools, academic pressures, or family difficulties - can trigger or worsen symptoms. Importantly, OCD is not caused by parenting style or individual actions. Understanding this helps to remove blame and focus on practical support and treatment.
Recognising OCD in Teenagers
Distinguishing between typical teenage habits and OCD can be challenging. Adolescence naturally involves a degree of experimentation, independence-seeking, and routine behaviours. However, when these behaviours become distressing, time-consuming, or interfere with school, friendships, or family life, it may indicate OCD.
Parents are encouraged to observe not just what their child does, but how much distress or disruption these actions cause.
Treatment and Management
The good news is that OCD is highly treatable. The gold standard treatment is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).
This approach gradually helps young people face their fears and anxieties without performing compulsions, teaching them that the distress will naturally subside over time. In some cases, SSRIs (a type of antidepressant) may be prescribed by a Psychiatrist to help manage anxiety alongside therapy.
For teenagers who are neurodiverse, for example, those with autism or ADHD, treatment is tailored to their specific needs, often taking more time and requiring a flexible, individualised approach.
The Role of Family Support
Chloe emphasised the vital role of families in supporting recovery. Parents and teachers can make a big difference by maintaining a calm, supportive environment and avoiding reinforcement of compulsions.
While waiting for treatment, it’s important for families to acknowledge the anxiety without giving in to it. For instance, resisting the urge to provide reassurance that perpetuates the OCD cycle. Including parents in therapy sessions can help them understand the condition better and develop effective strategies for home support.
The Impact on Daily Life
OCD can range from mild to severe. Teenagers may struggle with schoolwork, concentration, sleep, and social activities due to the mental and physical energy consumed by compulsions. Over time, this can lead to exhaustion, frustration, and isolation. Recognising and addressing OCD early helps prevent these secondary effects and promotes long-term wellbeing.
Long-Term Outcomes and Hope
With early intervention and appropriate treatment, many young people achieve significant recovery. While some may remain vulnerable to stress-related relapses, most can learn to manage symptoms effectively and live fulfilling lives.
Chloe's key message is one of hope: OCD is treatable, and with the right support, teenagers can move beyond the limits of their condition.
Seeking Help
If you suspect your teenager may be struggling with OCD, contact your local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) or GP for assessment and support. Early intervention makes a significant difference, helping young people regain control and confidence in their daily lives.
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