How Common Is Childhood OCD? Understanding The Signs and Statistics

'How common is childhood OCD?'

Many parents worry about OCD affecting their children, but how common is it,really?

And how do you know whether it is OCD as opposed to it being a quirk or general anxiety?

In this week's newsletter, I will cover the signs and statistics of childhood OCD.

How Common is Childhood OCD: The Statistics

Research shows that OCD affects about 1-3% of children worldwide.

This means that in any given classroom, it's possible that could be struggling with OCD, even if it's not immediately noticeable.

OCD is often misdiagnosed or misunderstood because OCD symptoms can be similar to other types of anxiety or behaviour issues.

One important thing to bear in mind is that OCD typically begins in childhood or adolescence.

Studies show that most cases of OCD typically start between the ages of 7 and 12, but it can develop at any age.

The earlier OCD is identified and treated, the better the chances of recovery.

Therefore, early intervention can play a significant role in reducing the impact OCD has on a child's life.

Childhood OCD: Understanding the Signs

Even though OCD in children can be relatively common, many parents and teachers often fail to recognise early signs and symptoms.

OCD Triggers

One of the biggest triggers for a child developing OCD is anxiety and stress- especially around school or big life changes.

Examples of what can trigger childhood OCD include:

• The death of a loved one
• Moving home or schools
• Parents separating
• Environmental events such as a pandemic
• Up and coming tests at school or needing to complete tasks perfectly
• Spilling a drink or being singled out or misunderstood
• Getting a poor result in tests

The uncertainty and unpredictability around these situations can create anxiety that leads to obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.

OCD Signs

Here are some common signs of OCD in children

• Repeatedly washing hands, showering or wiping surfaces
• Excessively checking that appliances are switched off or doors are locked
• Over apologising
• Taking longer to get ready
• Cancelling plans last minute
• Avoiding people or places
• unexplained low school attendance
• Keeping areas of the body covered
• Having meltdowns when rituals are interrupted
• Change in eating habits

In summary, OCD in children is not rare.

It affects about 1-3% of children. Therefore it is important to recognise signs and to get a child the support they need.

When it comes to childhood OCD, early intervention is crucial as with the right diagnosis and treatment, children can learn to manage their OCD symptoms and can go on to lead a happy and fulfilling life.

Since supporting my teenage daughter to manage OCD and lead a more fulfilling life, I am now on a mission to try to help teenagers and parents avoid the struggles we faced.

I do this through my:

Mind Monsters Children's Books

Parenting OCD in Teens and Tweens Digital Handbook

Free Guide

You can find all the details by clicking my website link below or in the featured section of my bio.

#ocdawareness #ocdrecovery #parentingstruggles #childrensmentalhealth