Your Child Can Get Better With Effective Treatment
Information for Parents

A Parent’s Guide - Helping A Child Who Has OCD

Research shows that one in 100 school-aged children has OCD.  Neither you nor your child is alone in battling this disorder.

If your child suffers from OCD, you are not alone.  Not only do millions of adults have OCD, but also millions of children struggle with OCD.  And when you include other family members who are affected by a child with OCD, this unwanted condition affects many millions more.

Learning about OCD can help you sort out your child’s behavioral symptoms to find out if the symptoms appear to be OCD.  We know it can be confusing because your child’s behavior doesn’t make sense and you might not know how to respond or where to turn for help.

The good news is that you’ve come to the right place for help.  Treatment for OCD is available, and your child can be helped.

Getting proper treatment is essential so that you and your child can learn how to take control of his or her OCD and gain relief.

It’s also important for you to know that you are not to blame for your child having OCD.  And your child isn’t to blame either.  OCD is a medical condition like allergies or asthma.  Researchers have found that functioning in certain areas of the brain is different in individuals who have OCD compared to those who don’t. Abnormalities in the chemical systems that send messages between brain cells have also been found. In addition, research has indicated that genetic, behavioral, cognitive, and environmental factors may also play a role in the onset of OCD.

OCD Chicago’s mission is to help children and adults with OCD get relief.  We encourage you to view the information on this web site.  You can also download copies of our information-rich OCD Guides:

And check out the More Resources section for recommended books and finding a support group.

Learn more about helping an adult child with OCD

Learn more about helping a younger child or teen with OCD

Download (or order) a copy of any of our free guides

How You Can Help Fight OCD

Please join us in our fight against OCD.  We need your help to bring information and education to people with OCD, their families and friends, educators, clergy and the media.

Click here to see how you can help.

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