Question 1

What are the signs of OCD in Canadian teens, and how are they different from normal stress?

Accepted Answer

As discussed in our blog, OCD in Canadian youth is an area of concern for many Canadian parents. It does present some distinct symptoms that we would not see when teens are experiencing more “typical” stress. Stress in teens often centers around academic pressures, friendships, exams, etc. Of course, not every teen experiences stress in response to those situations. But many do, and parents often expect to help their teens manage that. However, OCD looks different from typical stress.

Teen OCD symptoms often present with intrusive and obsessional doubts about a range of topics, including but not limited to contamination, perfectionism, harm, symmetry and just rightness. In response to these obsessions, teens experience internal and external compulsive behaviours. These include, but are not limited to, checking, cleaning, counting and mental review. These obsessions and compulsions typically take up a significant amount of time (at least one or more hours per day), and these cycles of OCD can be highly distressing. Avoidant behaviours can also be seen in order to try and avoid triggers.

Overall, these symptoms are often persistent, rigid and highly disruptive. Forward Thinking Psychological Services ® offers treatment for OCD in Canadian youth, and we can help parents understand the differences between OCD symptoms and “typical” teen stress.

Question 2

How is OCD different from perfectionism in teens?

Accepted Answer

Perfectionism and teen OCD symptoms can sometimes overlap. It is important to fully understand the difference. In any individual, OCD can latch onto the idea that things need to be carried out in a manner that is “just right” or “perfect”. In this way, individuals can repeat actions until they feel “just right” and engage in a number of repetitive behaviours to ensure things feel they have been done “perfectly”. This could include behaviours such as checking (i.e., homework, one’s appearance), organizing, and redoing actions or activities. For example, a teen might indicate they continued to rewrite an essay until it was perfect because otherwise, “something bad might happen.”

When OCD lands within these areas of functioning, it is experienced as highly distressing for the individual. Perfectionism is typically fuelled by the desire to succeed to a very high standard (sometimes unattainable) and avoid any mistakes in order to do so. In this situation, a teen may rewrite an essay several times to make it “perfect” or study extra hours in order to feel as prepared as possible. It is often experienced as extremely stressful.

A key difference is that perfectionism can feel very aligned with the goals and values of the teen, whereas OCD-related perfectionism brings on cycles of doubt and thoughts regarding negative consequences that might occur should things not be carried out in a certain manner.

Question 3

Can teens outgrow OCD on their own?

Accepted Answer

Although teen OCD symptoms may improve over time, it is not considered to be an illness that one will just “grow out of” in an organic sense. We do know that mental health issues, such as OCD, can worsen over time should they receive no form of treatment. This is why proper assessment and diagnosis play a key role in overcoming these mental health issues. Physicians and psychologists are qualified mental health professionals who aid in assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning. Early intervention is often extremely helpful when it comes to prognosis, receiving treatment and experiencing less impact on education and relationships.

We have discussed evidence-based treatments in our blog today, including ERP for OCD and I-CBT, as well as the key role of family involvement. All of these interventions contribute to recovery and allow teens to move forward with essential skills to navigate their OCD symptoms as they get older.

Question 4

When should parents seek professional help for a teen with OCD?

Accepted Answer

As described throughout our blog, it is important for parents and educators to be aware of symptoms that might be indicative of OCD in teens. Helpful parent support for OCD in teens begins with this recognition and subsequent outreach for professional help.

The key symptoms we have highlighted include: experiencing obsessive doubts and rituals that take over an hour per day and cause significant avoidance and distress, as well as a significant impact on daily life, including school and relationships for teenagers. Other important signs to notice include parents being asked to provide reassurance constantly and aiding teens with their ritualistic behaviours. Of course, you always want to consult with a licensed healthcare professional to fully understand your symptoms and mental health concerns.

Professional therapy helps families to understand and break these OCD cycles. Overall, it is important that parent support for OCD in teens is sought early. We do not need to wait until OCD symptoms completely take over.

Question 5

Do schools in Canada provide support for students with OCD?

Accepted Answer

There are different ways in which educators can provide support for OCD in teens. In some school systems, individuals are able to obtain Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) following a proper assessment and diagnosis by a physician or psychologist. This can allow for appropriate accommodations to be put into place. Accommodations for different mental health issues may include: extended and/or flexible deadlines, a quiet space to write tests or to take breaks during the day and a possible reduced workload. However, these types of accommodations must be discussed with the school to ensure that they make sense for your teen and fit with the diagnosis and level of impairment.

It is important for both psychologists and parents to be involved in this advocacy. Psychologists with an expertise in OCD assessment and diagnosis, such as Forward Thinking, can help navigate academics and accommodations to understand what might be possible. In summary, while accommodations are possible, it is essential to work closely with the school to ensure everyone is working together as a team.

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Author: Dr. Marlene Taube-Schiff

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