Dear Doc

I think I have OCD but I don’t want to tell my parents, because my obsessions involve bad things happening to them. What can I do? It’s taking over my whole life. I also have a cousin with OCD. Please help.

Courtney, 14

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is basically a form of anxiety disorder and it does sometimes run in families. If you’re affected by this condition, you’ll suffer from obsessions, which are recurring thoughts or ideas that are often frightening. For instance you might think something bad will happen if you don’t wash your hands ten times.

These obsessions are usually accompanied by ritual behaviour or compulsions. This will involve a pattern of behaviour that you feel must be done even when you don’t want to, for instance repeatedly checking that something is switched off.

Many people have mild obsessions such as organising things in a particular way or getting dressed in a certain order. But when this behaviour begins to upset you and starts to interfere with home life, school and friendships, it’s best to seek professional help.

Professional help

It sounds as though this is happening in your case, and it would be a really good idea for you to go and see your GP. You can make an appointment and see your doctor on your own in the first instance if you’d prefer to. Your doctor will be able to help and advise you. If it is felt a more specialist assessment and treatment is needed, the doctor will probably suggest referring you to your local child and adolescent mental health team.

It would be a really good idea if you could also talk to one or both of your parents. You don’t have to go into exactly what your thoughts are about. The chances are they will want to support you and help you get the best advice and treatment. If you feel you can’t talk to your parents at the moment, is there another adult you feel you can trust such as a close relative or teacher? 

Helpful treatment

If treatment is needed, there are two forms that can be helpful:  behaviour therapy and medication. Behaviour therapy usually involves a thorough  assessment and in essence it focuses on helping you learn how to be in control of the problem.

Medication helps about 70 per cent of sufferers though symptoms tend to return when treatment is stopped.

For more help and information

The Royal College of Psychiatrists has a helpful leaflet on OCD for teenagers. It’s at: www.rcpsych.ac.uk

Last reviewed by Great Ormond Street Hospital: 14 June 2007

Copyright © Great Ormond Street Hospital