Helping children suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorders

To all parents of my wonderful community. I want to share what questions to ask when you are seeking help for your child or teen suffering from OCD or any anxiety disorder.  Please do your research. Ask what specific training the therapist has in the treatment of OCD and anxiety?  If they do not have training in exposure and response prevention and cognitive behavior therapy they will not be able to help your child or teen.  If they have not had specific training in the behavior therapy institute of the International Obsessive Compulsive Foundation www.ocfoundation.org then ask why not?  Most important, if they want to prescribe medication along with counseling as standard procedure ask them why?  Medication should only be used as a last resort for anyone but especially for children and teens.  Cognitive behavior therapy, exposure and response prevention and family counseling with a diet free from caffeine is many times all that is needed.  Medication should never be routine. If you have any questions feel free to comment here or email me at JoanKaylor@hotmail.com.