My Child Has Been Diagnosed with OCD. What Now?

If your child has just been diagnosed with OCD, you may be feeling a mixture of relief that there is finally a name for what has been happening, and anxiety about what comes next. An OCD diagnosis can feel overwhelming, particularly if you do not know much about the condition or what treatment involves.

This post aims to give you a clear picture of what the diagnosis means, what help is available, and what you can do right now to support your child.

What Does an OCD Diagnosis Mean?

An OCD diagnosis means that your child has been assessed as having Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, a condition characterised by unwanted, intrusive thoughts known as obsessions, and repetitive behaviours or mental acts known as compulsions that are carried out to relieve the distress those thoughts cause. The relief is temporary, and the cycle continues.

It is important to understand that an OCD diagnosis is not a life sentence. OCD is a well-understood condition with highly effective treatments, and the majority of young people who receive appropriate therapy make significant improvements. The diagnosis is the first step toward getting the right help in place.

It is also worth knowing that OCD exists on a spectrum of severity. Some young people experience relatively mild symptoms that have a limited impact on their daily life, while others are significantly affected. Where your child sits on that spectrum will influence the recommended treatment approach and the likely timeline for recovery.

What Treatment is Available?

The NICE recommended treatment for OCD in children and young people is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with Exposure and Response Prevention, known as CBT with ERP. This is a specific form of CBT that helps young people gradually face the thoughts and situations that trigger their OCD, without carrying out the compulsion. Over time this breaks the cycle and significantly reduces the hold OCD has over daily life.

In some cases, EMDR may also be recommended, particularly where OCD is rooted in past traumatic or distressing experiences. Following an assessment, a therapist will advise which approach is most appropriate for your child.

In more severe cases, medication may also be recommended alongside therapy. Your GP or a psychiatrist can advise on this.

Should I Go Through CAMHS or Private Therapy?

If your child has been diagnosed by CAMHS, they may already be on a waiting list for treatment. If the diagnosis has come through a GP, school or private assessment, you will need to decide whether to pursue treatment through CAMHS or privately.

CAMHS is free but waiting times for treatment can be significant. In many parts of the UK, families wait twelve months or more for treatment to begin after a referral. For a young person with OCD, whose symptoms can worsen significantly without treatment, this can be a very long time to wait.

Private therapy offers faster access, with most private therapists able to begin treatment within weeks. It involves a cost per session, but for many families the ability to start treatment quickly is worth the investment. Private therapy does not affect your child's position on the CAMHS waiting list, so the two options are not mutually exclusive.

What Can I Do to Support My Child at Home?

While waiting for therapy to begin, there are several things you can do to support your child at home.

Avoid providing excessive reassurance

It is natural to want to reassure your child when they are distressed, but repeated reassurance can inadvertently strengthen OCD by confirming that the obsessive thoughts are worth worrying about. Try to acknowledge your child's distress without engaging with the content of the obsession.

Resist accommodating compulsions

Similarly, helping your child carry out compulsions or modifying family routines to avoid triggering OCD can maintain and strengthen the cycle. This is very difficult in practice, and should be approached gradually and ideally with guidance from a therapist.

Talk to your child's school

Make sure the school is aware of the diagnosis and understands how OCD may be affecting your child's ability to concentrate, complete work and participate in school life. Most schools can put reasonable adjustments in place to reduce the pressure on your child while they are waiting for treatment.

Continuity

In CAMHS, your child may see different clinicians at different points in their care. In private therapy, they will typically work with the same therapist throughout, which allows for a more consistent and continuous therapeutic relationship.

Learn about OCD

Understanding the condition is one of the most useful things a parent can do. The more you understand about how OCD works, the better placed you will be to support your child without inadvertently reinforcing their symptoms. OCD Action and OCD UK are both reputable organisations with good resources for parents.

At Sulis Therapies

At Sulis Therapies, we specialise in CBT and EMDR for children and young people with OCD. We typically have availability within a matter of weeks, and offer a free initial consultation to discuss your child's needs and find out how we can help. You do not need a referral and there is no waiting list.