I think my son might have OCD.

Hi there, thank you for contacting Ask Robyn.  

You have said that you think your son might have OCD, due to habits and rituals. It sounds like you are quite worried also as you are not sure it is something he can live with. OCD can impact a young person’s engagement with every day life but it can be managed with the right support. 

It might be good to not the habits and rituals you have observed. We would recommend seeking advice from your GP or local Primary Care Clinic (www2.hse.ie/services/primary-care-centres/). Primary Care Clinics often offer parent advice clinics by a psychologist. These services can be really beneficial for identifying specific strategies and how to address conversations and certain behaviours at home. Before your appointment it may help to further reflect on when you started to notice these habits and rituals, and your own thoughts on what you think may have started them. The HSE website does have more information if you would like to understand OCD more You can find out more about OCD on the HSE website: www2.hse.ie/conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/ 

We also have an article on our Childline website that you may find helpful that highlights other supports: www.childline.ie/what-is-ocd/  

It is good that you have tried to talk about this with him and it can be upsetting for you as a parent when he doesn’t see that there is a problem. This is a common response for young people with OCD, he may be feeling ashamed about the behaviours or habits or just not ready to talk about it yet. It is good for him to know that you are worried about him. These conversations are important to have and it’s important that they are approached in a gentle, non judgmental and empathetic way. It may take some time for him to open up about this further but it is important to keep the relationship as positive as possible with him. Plan for nice activities together where you spend time just the two of you without focusing on what you’re worried about and just enjoy being in eachother company. This could be something like watching a show together, going for a walk or going shopping; where he doesn’t feel under pressure to talk about anything in particular.  

As we have mentioned this can be tough on parents to deal with as well. It is important that you are also supported in this process either via family, friends or a professional.  Please feel free to contact us also on the ISPCC’s Support Line on 01 522 4300. This line is open between 9am-1pm Monday-Friday. Alternatively, you can email us at  [email protected]  . We hope this information is helpful and that you get the support you need for your family.   

Take care,   

Robyn