As a parent of a teen with OCD, it can be difficult to watch them struggle to manage their symptoms while also keeping up with school life, homework, and expectations from peers. They may feel lonely through this time, and it can feel like no one understands what they are going through.

When thinking about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), you might not consider your teen as someone likely to experience it. What is often surprising for parents is to learn that OCD actually most commonly develops in teen years.  As a teen, it can be difficult to seek help from others. They may want to handle it on their own.