Anxiety: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessions and compulsions can actually be a normal part of childhood. Kids can quite easily become ‘obsessed’ with childhood figures, heroes and characters. This is a healthy part of development and is what makes them kids. When these obsessions or compulsions disrupt home or school routines and learning then it can become more of a problem. It can completely dominate a child’s way of thinking and be time-consuming or lead to social problems. 

My chat with a child psychologist, Maddison Pike, reveals how to recognise OCD and how psychology has become one of the most important treatments. What is CBT? How does it help children? What age does OCD peak? Are there any other treatments?  These questions and more will be explored. The Raising Children’s Network also has a great resource on OCD. https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/health-daily-care/mental-health/ocd