Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in teenagers does not always look the way parents expect it to. A teenager with OCD may wash their hands repeatedly or check that a door is locked. But they may also repeatedly ask whether they have done something wrong, spend hours re-reading homework, avoid particular people or situations without explaining why,…
When a teenager is experiencing panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, intense worry, compulsive behaviours or increasing avoidance, parents often know that something is wrong before they know exactly what it is. The next question is often practical: Where do we go to get this assessed? In Ontario, there are several possible starting points. A teenager may…
When a teenager begins struggling at school, it can be difficult for parents to know what is happening. Maybe assignments are piling up, grades have dropped, homework is taking hours, or getting out the door in the morning has become increasingly difficult. A teen who once managed reasonably well may suddenly seem overwhelmed by demands…
Experiencing violent or harm-related intrusive thoughts, including intrusive thoughts about hurting someone, can be deeply distressing, particularly when the thought feels completely inconsistent with who you are and how you behave day-to-day. After having such a thought, someone may suddenly think, “What if I actually hurt someone?” and immediately begin wondering why the thought occurred….
Listen to this article. Created with Dr. Marlene Taube-Schiff’s AI voice. Learning that your teenager has OCD can bring a mixture of emotions. Many parents feel relieved to finally have an explanation for what their child has been experiencing. At the same time, it is common to feel overwhelmed by concerns about your child, questions…
Listen to this article. Created with Dr. Marlene Taube-Schiff’s AI voice. Many parents begin looking into online therapy after realizing their teenager is unwilling to attend therapy in person. Sometimes teens refuse because they feel anxious about entering an office, are uncomfortable speaking face-to-face with a therapist, feel resistant about being “sent to therapy,” or…
Listen to this article. Created with Dr. Marlene Taube-Schiff’s AI voice. Living with OCD is a challenge for many Canadians. Virtual OCD therapy in Canada is allowing effective, evidence-based care to be more accessible than ever. Treatments such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) can help individuals interrupt the…
Listen to this article. Created with Dr. Marlene Taube-Schiff’s AI voice. OCD in Canadian youth is essential to recognize to ensure proper assessment and treatment. However, It can be difficult at times to recognize teen OCD symptoms. When is teen anxiety actually OCD? For most teenagers, worry and self-doubt are a natural part of growing…
Listen to this article. Created with Dr. Marlene Taube-Schiff’s AI voice. If you or someone you love struggles with symptoms of OCD, you are likely very familiar with the concept of Exposure and Response Prevention. Have you considered ERP alternatives? We know ERP does not work for everyone! Have you heard of I-CBT for OCD?…
Listen to this article. Created with Dr. Marlene Taube-Schiff’s AI voice. Engaging in adolescent counseling during times of growth and transformation can prove to be extremely beneficial for youth. Teens are rapidly changing during the period of adolescent development. This includes changes in their physical appearance, emotional insight and thought processes. Teens also mature and…
Introduction It is that time of the year again. September rolls around and school begins. For adolescents, teens and parents this can be a stressful time of the year. New beginnings and transitions are exciting. But can also bring with them feelings of discomfort and anxiety. For teens with OCD and anxiety, it can be especially…
OCD Prevalence in Adolescents OCD is a commonly experienced psychiatric illness. Research has demonstrated that OCD has been found in 1% to 4% of individuals (including children, adolescents and adults) throughout the world. Individuals with OCD are often impacted in terms of education, work and social relationships. OCD may start in childhood and approximately 8…
