Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
Does your child or adolescent struggle with obsessions, compulsions, or both? Is your child or adolescent significantly distressed by these time-consuming obsessions or compulsions? People with OCD are typically aware that their obsessions and compulsions are irrational, yet remain unable to resist them.
What are obsessions?
Obsessions are intrusive and unwanted recurrent and persistent thoughts, urges, or images that cause the sufferer significant anxiety or distress. When people have obsessions, they often attempt to ignore or suppress them, or to neutralize them with some other thought or action.
What are compulsions?
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors such as hand washing, ordering, or checking, or mental actions such as praying, counting, or repeating words silently. People with compulsions feel driven to perform these repetitive behaviors in response to obsessions or according to rules that must be followed rigidly. The compulsive behaviors or mental actions are aimed at preventing or reducing anxiety or distress, or at preventing some horrible event or situation. However, these behaviors or mental actions are not realistically connected with what they are designed to neutralize or prevent, or they are clearly excessive.
Treatment for children with OCD in Philadelphia:
Dr. Braunstein offers supportive, evidence-based therapy for children and adolescents with obsessive compulsive disorder, tailored to their specific needs and preferences. Contact Dr. Braunstein to schedule an initial visit at her office in Center City Philadelphia.
Helpful external resources for OCD: