"My daughter thinks she may be depressed, OCD, and many other illnesses. She believes she's depressed, because she looked online, and found that she had similar "symptoms." Every day, whenever she sees a digital clock at the exact time, 9:11, she does a quick prayer of remembrance of the 9/11 attacks. What should I do?" – Amy

Dear Amy,

Your daughter is asking for help by looking online. A good resource for concerned parents is The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (www.aacap.org). "Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder In Children And Adolescents" ("OCD") under Facts for Families provides some basic information about this anxiety disorder, which is surprisingly common in children & adolescents, but is quite treatable with a combination of behavioral strategies and often medication. Obsessions are intrusive, recurring thoughts that may seem irrational, eg., constant fear of germs, but cannot be stopped voluntarily. Compulsions are recurring behaviors or mannerisms that often are caused by obsessive thinking, eg., constant or excessive hand washing, avoiding touching things for fear of getting sick. Research has shown OCD to be a brain disorder, often with a family history of anxiety disorders. OCD is very disruptive to a child's life and is often hidden from others. However, I have seen some children whose OCD has caused major embarrassment at school. For eg., a child who can't sit on the floor for circle time because she would get "germs." Children often repeat phrases silently, such as your daughter's "9/11 prayer." Like all medical disorders, the thoughts and behaviors may vary from mild to severe. But, typically children do suffer and may even look quite bizarre at the more severe end of the spectrum.

The good news is that OCD is treatable with a combination of cognitive and behavioral therapy and, often, with medication such as the SSRI's to block the recurring thoughts. Some OCD has been linked to strep infections. So that antibiotics have also been used successfully to treat strep linked OCD. I always suggest starting with a visit to your pediatrician. Make sure there are no frequent infections for example. A thorough exam is warranted. Your daughter should be then seen by a mental health professional who is qualified to make the correct diagnosis. Also, speak to your daughter's teacher to see if any unusual behaviors are noted in class. Don't give up if results don't happen quickly. Be sure to find a professional you feel comfortable with and ask about their experience treating OCD.

Make sure your daughter knows that she is not the only one with these problems and that OCD, if she has it, is not her fault.

Good luck. - Dr. Foster