A quick guide to OCD in young people

Topic:: Practical tools for support, Mental health conditions

For:: Schools, Community support, Youth workers

This resource covers:

The purpose of this guide is to provide a brief overview of OCD for those working with young people in the community.

What is OCD?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder that affects many young people in the UK. OCD is a mental health condition characterised by repetitive and distressing thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or compulsions.

Young people with OCD often feel compelled to perform certain rituals or routines to alleviate their anxiety caused by their obsessive thoughts.

How does OCD affect young people?

A young Black woman talking about something serious with an older Black woman in the park.

OCD can be a highly distressing condition, affecting young people's ability to engage in everyday activities such as school, work, and socialising. It can lead to feelings of isolation, shame and embarrassment, as young people may feel unable to control their thoughts and behaviours.

OCD can also affect their relationships with family and friends who can become involved in the OCD compulsions by avoiding certain objects or places. Strain on relationships can develop if the young person doesn’t see their compulsions as excessive or that they need help, and when loved one's actions become mixed in with their compulsions.

OCD differs from one person to another and it is also possible that a young person is able to hide their OCD from their friends and family.

Our Activists share how having OCD can affect family and friendships.

It can strain relationships – if intrusive thoughts are about a family member, it can take a toll.
It helps to talk openly about how it’s affecting the family, otherwise the young person will ruminate and feel guilty. Work together to come up with a plan to make things better.
Navigating friendships when people don’t know you have OCD is really hard. You’re trying to protect other people and also yourself.

Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment for OCD

It's important to be able to recognise the signs and symptoms of OCD, as well as know what treatments and support are available, so that you can best support the young people you work with.

Everyone is individual and not everyone will be affected by OCD in the same way.

Signs of OCD in young people can include:

persistent, intrusive thoughts or images
repetitive behaviours or mental acts
fear of harm or contamination
excessive checking, washing, or cleaning
a need for symmetry or exactness
hoarding or collecting items

Although symptoms often start young, a diagnosis may be made later in childhood, adolescence or adulthood. An individual will be diagnosed through an OCD assessment, with CAMHS if they’re under 18, with a trained health professional. The referral for an assessment comes from a young person’s GP, or through self-referral in England.

Treatment is usually through one or a mix of talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, and medication. There may also be counselling or family therapy offered to the family.

How can you support young people with OCD?

By understanding the condition and offering non-judgmental support, you can help young people living with OCD. Take a look at our tips below on providing support. You can find more advice in our guide to supporting a young person to get help.

Listen without judgement

Allow young people to express their feelings and concerns without judgment or criticism. Let them know that OCD is a medical condition – it is not something that is bad or ‘their fault’ – and they are not alone.
Be patient

Recovery from OCD can take time, so be patient and offer ongoing support to young people.
Promote self-care

Encourage young people to prioritise self-care by getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising regularly, managing stress and engaging in activities they enjoy.
Talk about seeking professional help

OCD can be treated successfully with many people not just improving their quality of life, but moving toward recovery. Talk to young people about exploring professional help from their GP or a mental health professional.
Explore research

There is a lot of helpful information and support online, such as our young person’s guide to OCD. However, please be mindful of misinformation about OCD on social media and always check the source of advice. Take a look at our list of reliable organisations.

Our Activists share their tips on what support helped with their OCD.

Winding down in the evenings.
Doing something with my hands – this calmed my mind.
Mindful colouring while listening to music or podcasts.
Medication helped – it reduced the intensity of the thoughts.
Finding the right therapist – not just a therapist using a general approach e.g. to talk generally about the thoughts. This won’t help and actually encouraged rumination on the thoughts.
Ask the young person – what would they like to try?

More information and advice

For more information and advice, read our OCD guides and blogs for parents and young people.

Where to get more help

You can find more information and support for a young person with OCD through the following organisations.

OCD Action

Offers support and information to anybody affected by obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

Opening times:

9:30am - 8pm, Monday - Friday

0300 636 5478

support@ocdaction.org.uk

youthhelpline@ocdaction.org.uk

OCD Action
OCD-UK

OCD-UK provides information, advice and support for people with OCD.

You can access this support by visiting their website or by emailing parents@ocduk.org.

You can also join a regular support group for family and carers.

Your child can join a regular support group if they are aged 18 or over. OCD-UK sometimes run groups for under 18s too – check their website for details.

OCD-UK
Childline

If you’re under 19 you can confidentially call, chat online or email about any problem big or small.

Sign up for a free Childline locker (real name or email address not needed) to use their free 1-2-1 counsellor chat and email support service.

Can provide a BSL interpreter if you are deaf or hearing-impaired.

Hosts online message boards where you can share your experiences, have fun and get support from other young people in similar situations.

Opening times:

24/7

0800 11 11

Childline
The Mix

Free, short-term online counselling for young people aged 25 or under. Their website also provides lots of information and advice about mental health and wellbeing.

Email support is available via their online contact form.

They have a free 1-2-1 webchat service available during opening hours.

Opening times:

4pm - 11pm, Monday - Friday

The Mix

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