Youthful Obsessions and Compulsions
- Aspen Family Counseling
- Mar 29, 2019
- 1 min read
Dr. Brian Vasey is a Board Eligible Psychiatrist specializing in pediatric psychiatry.
It is hardly uncommon for youngsters at various points in their lives to be concerned with matters such as symmetry and having things perfect, as exemplified by avoiding sidewalk cracks and insisting on bedtime rituals. However, when such concerns become so overriding that they interfere with the ability to conduct their everyday lives, the problem may be characterized as “obsessive compulsive disorder” (OCD).
While this mental disorder afflicts between one and two percent of American adults, it often originates in childhood or adolescence as early as age three years. To treat the problem (and better earlier than later), mental health professionals may employ a version of cognitive behavioral therapy known as “exposure and response prevention” to help OCD sufferers tolerate their anxiety.
Of course, if you or a loved one is suffering from OCD, it’s vital that you get treatment right away. We know that you needn’t be suffering from such a dramatic issue to benefit from a little help. Anxiety, stress, or depression all can have a serious negative effect on your life.
We can provide you with the safe space and proven techniques you need to deal with your problems, whether you’re wrestling with OCD or depression. You deserve to be healthy again. Call 608-742- 5020 today for an appointment. Our address is 2639 New Pinery Road, Suite 1. Offering you and your family compassionate and professional advice.
It's so important, as Dr. Vasey highlights, to differentiate between typical youthful concerns like symmetry and rituals, and when these behaviors cross into clinical OCD. This distinction can be incredibly challenging for parents, especially since many early signs can mimic common childhood traits. Recognizing the subtle shifts that indicate interference with daily life is key to early intervention. Given this complexity, many parents are looking for clearer indicators or initial steps to understand if their child's behaviors might warrant professional evaluation. For those navigating these initial questions, finding a reliable way to gauge potential symptoms can be incredibly helpful. We've found that a comprehensive online OCD assessment can be a valuable first step in understanding these patterns.