Even if you are fairly certain of your child's diagnosis of OCD prior to testing, hearing a doctor or therapist say the words, “Your son has obsessive-compulsive disorder” can still be an emotional, even traumatic, event. Perhaps you were hoping to have your suspicions proven wrong. Many parents describe this as a “moment of truth” when time appears to move in slow motion, resulting in whole parts of the conversation being missed or misunderstood.

If you are going to hear the news, with or without your child, it may make sense to bring another adult with you for this appointment. Your spouse, another family member, or close friend can offer emotional support and help you recall details you may otherwise miss. Another good idea is to bring paper and pen so that you can take notes during or immediately after the appointment.