If you suspect your teenager has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), you may be unsure how to help them. Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves excessive worry and compulsions. OCD can have a negative impact on various aspects of your teen's life, including their academics and social life. Luckily, OCD can be successfully treated, especially with the help of OCD outpatient treatment programs. Here are three tips for helping your teen with OCD:

Get Your Teen Neuropsychological Testing

In order to officially diagnose your teen with OCD and determine the severity of their condition, they should be signed up for neuropsychological testing. These tests are administered by mental health professionals in a clinical setting. The tests involve questionnaires, behavioral observations, conversational assessments, and more.

The results of the neuropsychological testing will help you and your teen's doctors determine the type of help that is needed and will be factored into your teen's treatment plan. These tests can also look for other conditions that may be occurring at the same time, such as anxiety. This way, their doctor can create a comprehensive treatment plan that helps provide relief for any mental health struggles they are experiencing.

Look Into OCD Outpatient Treatment Programs

OCD outpatient programs involve your teen going to specialized counseling for OCD on a frequent basis, ensuring they get the support they need. In their outpatient program, they will learn ways to identify OCD triggers and healthier ways of dealing with their intrusive thoughts and compulsions.

OCD outpatient programs for teens also involve group therapy sessions, so your teen can learn from their peers and know that they are not alone in their struggle with OCD.

Seek Parental Support

Having a teenager who is experiencing any mental illness can be stressful and anxiety-inducing, and OCD is no different. The compulsive behavior that is associated with OCD can be especially disruptive to your family and home life.

Luckily, many OCD outpatient treatment centers offer support groups and counseling for parents, to help you navigate this with as many resources as possible. In addition, you can seek out online resources designed specifically for the parents of children and teens with OCD. Sometimes, just talking to other parents in a similar situation can be helpful.

Helping your teen navigate symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder may feel scary, but you don't have to do it alone. Following the tips in this article and working with trained OCD professionals will help your teen successfully manage their OCD symptoms. 

Contact a local OCD outpatient treatment program to learn more.