A compulsive disorder is when a person has repeated unwanted thoughts or the need to repeat a specific behaviour or mental act. It is sometimes confused with anxiety because of the distress caused by the thoughts and need to repeat the behaviour.
To be diagnosed, the repetitive thoughts and behaviours have to be severe enough that it is affecting the person’s ability to function (such as physically, socially, academically, etc.)
Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Unwanted thoughts urges or images that keep coming back and cause you to repeat a behaviour or mental action to feel better.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
An obsessive belief there is a defect or flaw in their physical appearance and repeating behavours (looking in a mirror) or checking because of these beliefs.
Trichotillio-mania
Cannot stop pulling out your hair to the point it causes hair loss even though you have tried to stop or reduce this behaviour.
Excoriation
Cannot stop picking at skin which causes damage even though you have tried to stop or reduce this behaviour.
What will my GP do now if my child has a compulsive disorder?
Your GP may refer your child for treatment. Mild to moderate compulsive disorders in children can be treated effectively with early intervention and child behaviour strategies. A referral does not mean that your child is seriously mentally unwell.
Your GP may also:
Refer your child for counselling to help them learn to deal with the obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviours.
Refer to a specialist service if the compulsive disorder is severe or if your child might need medication
Your GP will want your child to come back so they can check how they are improving. If they are not improving, your GP may discuss other options to assist.
It is important to support your child in learning how to manage their compulsions. Treatment can often take time.
Some of the things you can do include:
Getting treatment early as it helps prevent the compulsive behaviours getting worse
Try not to get frustrated when your child is distressed. It may not make sense to you but their brain is telling them that they are unsafe unless they have this thought or complete this behaviour.
Look after yourself – you are the child’s main support and it is easy to forget to maintain good self-care.
What questions could I ask my doctor?
What can I do to help my child now?
What can I do to help my child over time?
When should I make another appointment?
How quickly can I expect results?
What happens if my child gets worse?
Support Services
Enter your suburb or postcode to see options that service you location, state or territory.
Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (ICAMHS)
GP Referral RequiredSelf-Referral
The Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service provides specialist treatment for children and young people up to 18 years of age. Talk to your GP about this service or call ICAMHS.
The Primary and Community Health Psychology service provides free psychological assessment and treatment for children aged 0-12 and their carers. Ask your GP to refer you.
The SWSLHD Youth Health Service provides free counselling to youth aged 12-21 years. Contact one of their centres and ask to speak to their intake worker.
You In Mind is for young people over the age of 12 years
Both services include criteria to be met and a GP referral. Speak to your GP about this service and whether a referral would be beneficial.
Private options
Private Options for Child and Youth Mental Health
GP Referral RequiredSelf-Referral
There are many private specialist and allied health providers that can treat mental health concerns in children and youth. Speak to your GP about rebates for treatment.
Head to Health
Online/Phone
Head to Health is a free confidential service from the Australian Government.
Whether you are looking for mental health support for yourself, someone you care about, or just trying to improve your wellbeing – Head to Health is a good place to start.
Head to Health helps everyone access the mental health and wellbeing services that are right for them. It makes it easier to navigate and choose the most suitable care options, whether that’s face-to-face, via phone, or online.
Raising Children provides free, up-to-date, evidence-based, scientifically validated information about pregnancy, raising children from birth to 18 years and caring for yourself as a parent or carer.
Headstart is an online navigation tool that helps you find mental health support for you or someone you care for, including free and low-cost services available in-person and online.
Important: This information is to be viewed by someone who has received a diagnosis from their doctor. It is not designed to be used to diagnose a condition or as a substitute for ongoing medical care.
Health Resource Directory factsheets are endorsed by South Western Sydney PHN’s Community Advisory Committee and local GPs
