Episode 15: Intrusive Thoughts, Compulsive Actions: Understanding Pediatric OCD

In this episode of Nimble Youth, host Matt Butterman is joined by pediatrician Dr. Gretchen Hoyle for an in-depth look at Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)—a condition that’s often misunderstood and underdiagnosed in children and adolescents.Together, they explore the early signs of OCD, common misconceptions, and the deeply disruptive impact OCD can have on school performance, social life, sleep, and family dynamics. Dr. Hoyle also walks through the screening tools clinicians use and outlines a range of treatment strategies—including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), SSRIs, and emerging therapies like digital platforms and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).