Mental health issues are relatively common among teenagers in California. In fact, over a million of the state’s teens report feelings of serious psychological distress1. Without a doubt, that figure includes the small percentage of adolescents affected by obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). If your child has symptoms of this condition, OCD treatment for teens in Pasadena, CA, can help. This treatment supports your child’s efforts to manage OCD effects and live a more stable, fulfilling life.
HillsidesCares offers a convenient source of adolescent OCD treatment in Pasadena, CA. We feature customized, age-specific programs designed to fit your teenagers’ unique needs. Contact us today at 323.641.4842 to find out more about our available recovery options.
The Basics of OCD in Teens
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is typically diagnosed in young adults. However, the first symptoms of the condition often appear in childhood or adolescence. In its classic form, OCD produces two groups of symptoms – obsessions and compulsions. An obsession is an urge, thought, or image that:
- Emerges against your child’s will
- Is unwelcome
- Produces anxiousness or other unpleasant feelings
A compulsion is a repeated behavior your teen feels they must engage in. In many cases, it’s a direct response to an obsession. However, it doesn’t have to be.
Your affected child may also have other OCD symptoms. For example, they may develop movement- or sound-based tics that recur repeatedly. In addition, many people affected by the condition also qualify for an anxiety disorder or mood disorder diagnosis.
Untreated OCD can leave your child unable to function. Finding the right treatment to manage symptoms is essential.
OCD Treatment for Teens
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is widely regarded as one of the most effective treatments for OCD in teens. This therapy focuses on identifying and altering thought patterns that lead to compulsive behaviors, empowering teens to confront and manage their obsessions more effectively.
A specific form of CBT, known as exposure and response prevention (ERP), is particularly successful. It gradually exposes teens to triggers in a controlled environment while helping them resist the urge to engage in compulsive actions. Studies have shown that CBT can significantly reduce OCD symptoms, improve quality of life, and enable teens to regain control over their daily activities.
Medication as an OCD Treatment for Teens in Pasadena, CA
In some cases, your child may need to take medication to help control their symptoms. Medications can work in conjunction with evidence-based therapies such as CBT. The medications of choice in these circumstances are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Finding Teen OCD Treatment Centers in Pasadena, CA
Where can you find local OCD treatment for teens? The top choice is a center that specializes in age-specific mental health treatment. Why? Teens with mental health issues often have different needs than adults. Enrolling your child in a program designed for people their age increases the likelihood of the best possible outcomes.
HillsidesCares offers mental health treatment services for children as young as six years of age and as old as seventeen. We understand the complexities of teen and adolescent mental health challenges.
Get Adolescent OCD Treatment Today at HillsidesCares
Untreated OCD can severely disrupt your teenager’s life. Fortunately, the proper treatment can help your child successfully manage their symptoms. In many cases, that treatment is exposure response prevention. Your teen may also benefit from OCD medication.
For age-specific OCD treatment in the Pasadena area, turn to HillsidesCares. We specialize in the customized treatment of many mental health issues that occur in teenagers and younger children. That includes obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Call us today at 323.641.4842 to get more details, or reach out using the online form.
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