Children and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)

“Hey Mom, did you lock the door? Are you sure? Are you SURE? How do I know you locked the door? Tell me the truth, did you lock the door? Can you check again? Can I check again?”

What can a parent do when a child asks questions over and over like: “Are you sure you locked the door?” or “How do I know you’ll be home when I get home from school today?” How can a parent know if this behavior is just “a phase” or if it’s something more?

Today we’re talking with Dr. Joanna Robin (www.https://westchesteranxietytreatment.com)

co-author of “The OCD Workbook for Kids: Skills to Help Children Manage Obsessive Thoughts and Compulsive Behaviors” about OCD and children.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), know as the “doubting disease”, is more than just an adjective; it’s a painful and often misunderstood disease. People who suffer from this disease struggle with intrusive images (obsessions) that force that person to engage in repetitions (compulsions) to feel better.

We’ll also discuss the most current research on PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections), conditions that are characterized by a sudden and severe onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) thought to affect certain children who've had strep infections.