About this episode

This episode explores often overlooked OCD themes in children and teens, discussing their presentation and how they can be misdiagnosed.

Many OCD themes are frequently misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or completely overlooked because they don’t match the stereotypes most people associate with OCD. In this episode, I dive into the OCD themes that often fly under the radar, including Moral OCD, Harm OCD, POCD, SOCD, ROCD, disgust based OCD, symmetry OCD, and Just Right OCD. I talk about how these themes can present in children and teens, why they are often mistaken for anxiety, behavioral issues, personality traits, or even hidden desires, and how shame and mental compulsions can keep kids struggling silently for years. You’ll also learn why OCD is not always driven by fear. Some themes are fueled by disgust, discomfort, uncertainty, or an overwhelming feeling that something is “off” or incomplete. I break down how OCD can lead to reassurance seeking, confession, avoidance, mental reviewing, and hidden rituals that many parents and even therapists may miss. I also discuss what parents can do if they suspect OCD is being overlooked, including how to educate themselves on OCD themes, help their child understand what OCD is doing, trust their gut, and seek out proper OCD specific support and ERP therapy. If your child has…

People in this episode

Host: Natasha Daniels

Topics covered

• OCD themes
• child anxiety
• mental health
• parenting
• intrusive thoughts

Keywords

• OCD
• Moral OCD
• Harm OCD
• POCD
• SOCD
• ROCD
• disgust based OCD
• symmetry OCD
• Just Right OCD

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Common OCD Themes Even Therapists Sometimes Miss

More episodes of AT Parenting Survival | Raising Kids with OCD & Anxiety

• The 7 Parenting Traps That Quietly Keep OCD in Charge · July 21, 2026 · 44 min
• Growing Up with OCD: Izzy’s Story of Courage and Determination · July 14, 2026 · 36 min
• Learning to Parent the Child You Have, Not the Child You Expected · July 7, 2026 · 52 min
• 8 Signs You Don’t Fully Understand Your Child’s OCD · June 30, 2026 · 45 min
• When OCD Recovery Feels Worse Before It Feels Better · June 23, 2026 · 48 min

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