OCD TREATMENT

Trust Your Instincts: Our Journey to an OCD Diagnosis

As parents, we often sense when something isn’t quite right with our children, even when others dismiss our concerns. That’s exactly what happened with my son. Despite meeting all developmental milestones and receiving reassurance from his pediatrician, my instincts told me to dig deeper.

The path wasn’t easy. His preschool attributed his behaviors to poor parenting (they even suggested parenting classes!), while medical professionals advised us to “wait it out.” But I knew my child needed more than just time.

Getting Professional Help

The first crucial step is finding a neuropsychologist who specializes in OCD. While comprehensive assessments can be costly, they’re worth the investment (tip: HSA accounts can help cover the expenses). Our evaluation checked for various conditions including autism, ADHD, and OCD, giving us a clear path forward.

Resource: Start your search at the KIDS International OCD Foundation website’s ‘Find Help’ section. ‘Find Help‘

Treatment Approaches That Worked for Us

1. Medication

For severe cases like my son’s where safety was a concern, medication can be transformative. We chose to use Prozac (Fluoxetine), an SSRI that helps increase serotonin availability. Within weeks, we saw positive changes, and eventually, I heard words I’ll never forget: “I’m happy, it’s such a nice day.”

2. Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy

ERP is the gold standard for OCD treatment. Working with a pediatric OCD specialist, we:

  • Created a hierarchy of fears and compulsions
  • Worked through exposures, from least to most challenging (examples here)
  • Discovered that young children often can’t articulate their fears directly
  • Practiced exercises both in therapy and at home

3. Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

This 20-week program laid a crucial foundation for our success. Key components included:

  • Daily 10-15 minute “special play time”
  • PRIDE principles for positive interaction
  • Structured discipline framework
  • Consistent approach for both parents

Key Takeaways

Don’t wait if you suspect something’s wrong Seek specialized help, even if others suggest otherwise Consider all treatment options available Remember that recovery is possible with the right support

Every child’s journey is different, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, OCD symptoms can improve significantly. Our story is just one example of how the right combination of treatments can help a child reclaim their joy and live a fuller life.

Note: This post reflects personal experience. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical decisions.

Helpful Resources

  • International OCD Foundation / About ERP for Pediatric OCD [iocdf.org]
  • “What to Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck”: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming OCD – by Dawn Huebner, Ph.D
  • PCIT International [pcit.org] 
  • Guide to Giving an Effective PCIT Time Out [https://pcit.ucdavis.edu/]
  • PRIDE principles
  • Anxiety Apps | Tappy, Calm