“Oh, I’m so OCD.” It’s become a common expression, exclaimed by someone who is a bit overly tidy or who likes to eat their candies by color. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is, in actuality, a serious condition that causes immense, almost unbearable unrest and discomfort in individuals who struggle with it. It is relatively common, with about half a million people in the United States living with the disorder. This equates to roughly 20 or so students in an average American high school who deal with OCD on a daily basis.
OCD symptoms in teenagers include a combination of obsessions and compulsions. “Obsessions” refer to undesired beliefs, ideas, thoughts and repetitive images that cause anxiety, and “compulsions” (also referred to as rituals) are behaviors the individual feels they must perform in order to ease the sense of anxiety. It is critical to talk about OCD in high school, so students know that they can get the treatment they need. An OCD treatment program offers targeted support for both teens and adults.
What Obsessions Can Look Like for Those with OCD in High School
The obsessions part of OCD symptoms in teenagers can include:
- An overwhelming, overly-consuming concern for germs and contamination
- A need to have things in order or in their proper place
- Afixation with specific numbers
These are just a few of many types of obsessions that individuals with OCD experience. The key to differentiating obsessions from regular desires is the absolute anxiety that obsessions cause. Some people say they have OCD because they like a room to be clean. However, often the missing factor in their description is the crippling anxiety that teens who suffer from OCD in high school experience.
OCD in High School: Compulsions
Performing compulsions (rituals) provides temporary relief from the anxiety caused by obsessions. Compulsions may include excessive hand-washing or cleaning, putting things in order or in specific places, repeating tasks such as checking whether the door is locked or the sink has been turned off, or repetitive counting.
Again, missing from the generic “I’m so OCD” descriptor is the anxiety. When individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder perform compulsions or rituals, they are doing so to relieve the anxiety caused by their obsessions, not simply because they wanted to double-check that the door was locked. Some people with OCD must perform rituals a specific number of times to satisfy both the compulsion for completing the task as well as a need for achieving specific numbers.
Performing compulsions can be debilitating. Often, compulsions get in the way of basic tasks such as getting ready or doing homework; when someone constantly worries about carrying out their rituals, they can’t complete their tasks at hand without interruption. This is when OCD becomes a major problem for both the person involved and those around them such as parents, siblings, or teachers.
Treatment for OCD in Teenagers
OCD symptoms in teenagers are exceptionally concerning because their obsessions and compulsions make them feel different, weird or crazy. During high school, the desire to fit in hits its peak. The student may endlessly arrange pens in a specific order on their desks. Another common compulsion, obsessive tapping or touching, receives notice from peers. This can lead to other students singling out or making fun of the child.
Medications for teenagers with OCD can be a lifesaver. They may not eliminate all of the OCD symptoms, but they can help. When you reduce your overall anxiety, the need for you to carry out rituals is lessened. This results in a happier child. They no longer feel as though they’re on the outside looking in. Instead, they are able to participate along with their peers, free from the worry of sticking out. As they reach adulthood, many people with OCD who receive treatment find that their symptoms improve and they no longer need medication.
Choose Promises Behavioral Health Today
If you struggle with mental health or addiction, it’s time to get treatment today. We offer effective, evidence-based addiction and mental health services for adolescents and adults. This includes treatment for:
- OCD – We offer treatment for OCD that is informed by the latest research.
- Anxiety – We offer treatment for anxiety disorders that is tailored to your unique needs.
- Depression – We offer treatment for depression that is customized to your specific situation.
- PTSD – We offer treatment for PTSD that is designed to help you heal.
- Addiction – Whether you’re struggling with addiction to drugs, alcohol, or something else, we can help.
To learn more, contact Promises Behavioral Health at 844.875.5609.