SEN: Treatment for OCD in Children

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition marked by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) performed to relieve distress. It can significantly interfere with daily functioning, relationships, and quality of life.

Treatment of OCD in Children - latest research

Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children and Youth: A Meta-Analysis, March 2025 - American Academy of Pediatrics (Publication)

Best-supported treatment: ERP (Exposure & Response Prevention) for OCD

• A large 2024 meta-analysis found that ERP is the most effective treatment for children with OCD, especially when combined with medication if needed.

• It works by helping children:

  • Face fears gradually

  • Resist compulsions

  • Learn that anxiety reduces on its own

👉 Key takeaway: ERP is the gold standard—this is what you want a therapist trained in.

A list of books recommended for OCD related to age and emotional development.

👶 Ages 4–7 (early primary)

At this stage, kids need simple language, stories, and visuals.

⭐ Best picks:

• **What to Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck – Dawn Huebner

  
  

  👉 Gold standard for young kids

  • Very visual and activity-based

  • Introduces OCD as something separate from the child

  • Gentle intro to ERP concepts

• **What to Do When You Have Bad Thoughts – Dawn Huebner

  
  

  👉 Good for intrusive thoughts specifically

💡 Use these with the child—sit together and work through them.

🧒 Ages 8–12 (later primary)

Kids can now understand patterns, strategies, and “fighting back” ideas.

⭐ Best picks:

• **Talking Back to OCD – John S. March

  
  

  👉 One of the best-known, still very relevant

  • Frames OCD as a “bossy bully”

  • Step-by-step plan kids can follow.

  • Strong link to ERP

• **The OCD Workbook for Kids – Anthony Puliafico

  
  

  👉 More structured and hands-on

  • Exercises and tracking

  • Good if your child likes writing/drawing tasks

• **Freeing Your Child from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder – Tamar Chansky

  
  

  👉 For you as the parent alongside their work

  
  

👦👧 Ages 13–17 (teens)

Teens need respect, independence, and real explanations—less “cartoon,” more real-world.

⭐ Best picks:

• **Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD – Eli R. Lebowitz

  
  

  👉 Especially helpful if your teen resists help

  • Focuses on your role and reducing accommodation

• **Talking Back to OCD – John S. March

  
  

  👉 Still works for younger teens

• **The Self-Compassion Workbook for OCD

  
  

  👉 Better for older teens (15+)

  • Adds emotional resilience + shame reduction

    
    

👨‍👩‍👧 Parent-only (any age—honestly essential)

These are the ones that often make the biggest difference:

• Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD

  
  

  👉 Teaches how to stop reinforcing OCD without conflict

• Freeing Your Child from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

  
  

  👉 Great all-round understanding + strategies