Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can show up in many different ways, and it’s not always easy for parents to recognize. OCD involves unwanted thoughts or worries (obsessions) that cause anxiety. To try to get rid of these feelings, they might do certain actions or rituals (called compulsions) over and over, like checking things, counting, or washing their hands. Many children with OCD might feel the need to mentally repeat certain phrases or prayers until it feels “just right,” or they may feel anxious unless they touch things in a specific order. Some kids might have intrusive thoughts about hurting someone, even though they don’t want to act on them, and perform rituals to “cancel out” those thoughts, like tapping objects or counting.

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“Just right” OCD, which is a type of OCD, isn’t always about fears like germs or harm. Instead, kids may feel unsettled if something doesn’t feel perfect. They might rearrange their books on the shelf repeatedly or feel the need to walk through a doorway a certain number of times until it feels balanced.

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Dr. Bruno has experience in diagnosing and treating children with OCD. Treatment typically incorporates the family and utilizes cognitive behavior therapy and exposure and response prevention (ERP). 

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