June 3, 2021

HOW TO HELP TEENS WITH OCD.

Obsession-compulsion disorder shortened as OCD is a mental illness that is classified as an anxiety disorder. Teens with OCD always feel tormented by the persistent, unwanted, repetitive intrusive thought. They undergo two features attributed to OCD – obsession and compulsion. We always have to know about How To Help Teens With OCD.

Obsession

They lead to anxiety through repetitive, unwanted intrusive thoughts, mental images, or urges. Popular examples common among teens – fear of dirt or contamination of germs. Urge to make or act in a blasphemous manner, inappropriate thoughts which might involve sex with toys, animals, family, or religious figures. Violent thoughts about hurting or killing friends, family, or loved ones.

Compulsion

Teens get torment by these repetitive thoughts, so they look for a way out. They start following repeated acts which help them decrease the level of anxiety. They respond to this thought by having a ritual to cope with OCD. Teen with OCD are aware that their action against these intrusive thoughts is irrational and uncalled for, however, they are compelled to do so, they think it’s their only way out.

Examples of Rituals that exist among teens with OCD – frequent handwashing, love to put things in an orderly or precise manner, constantly check things like if the oven is switch off, door locked, or light switched off.

How do know teens with OCD?

Have you started noticing some serious behaviors, you don’t understand or can’t explain? Below are symptoms to help decide a teen with OCD.

Teen with OCD worries repeatedly over small or irrational matters (making a fuss over his health even after going through a medical checkup confirming he is healthy).
Low esteem
Suddenly that having issues with his favorites friends or unable to make new friends.
Feel tormented when you disturb his compulsion behavior or ritual.
Unable to provide adequate reasons for his repeated rituals.
Repeatedly report at school for getting in trouble due to compulsion behaviors.

How to help teens with OCD?

The signs and symptoms are entirely accurate, or an effective way of determining if a teen is with OCD. So teens might not like dirt not because they fear germs, they just like being clean and neat. However, if you notice any of these signs and symptoms, it is important to go for a diagnosis, to be sure of the type of mental illness he or she might be experiencing. After proper diagnosis only then can you help the teen out.

Treatment

There are available ways to treat a teen with OCD. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, medication, or both have been seen to be effective in treating a teen with OCD.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This form of therapy helps teen control their response to repetitive, unwanted intrusive thoughts. The therapy makes sure of a method called exposure and prevention response.
Teens have to face whatever triggers their OCD. If a teen’s OCD trigger is germs, he or she will be made to touch the dirt and not permitted to wash or sanitize their hands after touching them.

Medication

It is effective to use antidepressants or SSRIs drugs for teens, which helps increase the serotonin level in the blood.
The medication helps reduces the symptoms of OCD. However, using medication alone is not an effective way to combat OCD, it is better with alongside therapy.

As a teen, you are always with new technology. So if you interested to know about Best Mobile Apps for OCD Management 2021 read more from here.

Summary