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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children & Adolescents
This disorder is seen in as many as 1 in 200 children and adolescents. What are the signs and what can be done to free oneself from this behavior?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children & Adolescents: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (Known as OCD), usually begins in adolescence or young adulthood and is
seen in as many as 1 in 200 children and adolescents. OCD is characterized by recurrent obsessions and/or compulsions that are intense enough to cause severe discomfort. Obsessions are
recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses, or images that are unwanted and cause marked anxiety or distress. Frequently, they are unrealistic or irrational. They are not simply excessive worries about
real-life problems or preoccupations. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or rituals...such as:
- Hand washing
- Collecting/Hoarding
- Keeping things in order
- Hair pulling
- Checking something over and over
Or mental acts such as:
- Counting
- Repeating words silently
- Avoiding
In OCD, the obsessions or compulsions cause significant anxiety or distress, or they interfere with the child's normal routine, academic functioning, social activities, or relationships.
The obsessive thoughts may vary with the age of the child and may change over time. A younger child with OCD may fear that harm will occur to himself or a family member, for example an
intruder entering an unlocked door or window. The child may compulsively check all the doors and windows of his home after his parents are asleep in an attempt to relieve anxiety. The child may then
fear that he may have accidentally unlocked a door or window while last checking and locking, and then must compulsively check again.
An older child or a teenager with OCD may fear that he will become ill with germs, AIDS, or contaminated food. To cope with his/her feelings, a child may develop "rituals" (a behavior or
activity that gets repeated). Sometimes the obsession and compulsion are linked; "I fear this bad thing will happen if I stop checking or hand washing, so I can't stop even if it doesn't make any
sense."
Research shows that OCD is a brain disorder and tends to run in families, although this doesn't mean the child will definitely develop symptoms. Recent studies have also shown that OCD may
develop or worsen after a strep infection. A child may also develop OCD with no previous family history.
Children and adolescents often feel shame and embarrassment about their OCD. Many fear it means they're crazy. Good communication between parents and children can increase understanding
of the problem and help the parents appropriately support their child.
Most children with OCD can be treated effectively with a combination of psychotherapy (especially cognitive and behavioral techniques) and certain medications for example, serotonin reuptake
inhibitors (SSRI's). Family support and education are also central to the success of treatment. Antibiotic therapy may be useful in cases where OCD is linked to streptococcal infection.
Seeking help from a child and adolescent psychiatrist is important both to better understand the complex issues created by OCD as well as to get help.
OCD is more common than once thought. Please know that if you experience OCD symptoms, there is help out there for you...you are certainly not alone.
The following are just a few of the many Internet sites about OCD, causes, support, solutions, & information:
1. OCD Resource Center: At this site you will find numerous resources, information, support, & a physician's area.
2. Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation: This site aims to educate the public and the professional communities about OCD and related disorders, and supports individuals with OCD and related disorders.
3. Trichotillomania Learning Center Online: Here you will find up-to-date information, support, and resources about this compulsive hair-pulling behavior.
4. Amanda's Trich Guide: A site created by a trich sufferer...you'll find personal stories, support, solutions, and resources.
5. Mental Health Net: Here you'll find a lot of information, support, and resources.
6. at Health: Besides much information, this site has a professional directory, resources (including professional resources), medication info, and more.
7. Behavior Online: This site has resources for mental health professionals and applied behavioral scientists.
Here are 3 informative books to read that deal with the above topic. Use Amazon.com's secure server to order:
 Brain Lock - Free Yourself from Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior : A Four-Step Self-Treatment Method to Change Your Brain Chemistry: - Jeffrey M. Schwartz, Beverly Beyette (Contributor). This book shows sufferers how to overcome their OCD by using drug-free "cognitive self-therapy and behavior modification to develop new patterns of response to their obsessions". This technique was so effective that it's now used in academic treatment centers throughout the world. Buy it now through Amazon.com's secure server!
Click HERE or on the image of the books to give this gift to yourself or someone else!
Polly's Magic Games : A Child's View of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder : - Constance H. Foster, Edwin A. Chase (Illustrator). This is a book "for children with OCD to share with their family and friends...to read together and understand". Buy it NOW through Amazon.com's secure server!
Click HERE or on the image of the books to give this gift to yourself or someone else!
OCD in Children and Adolescents : A Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment Manual : - John S. March, Karen Mulle. Learn what steps to take in order to begin treating OCD in children, adolescents, and even adults. Buy it now through Amazon.com's secure server!
Click HERE or on the image of the books to give this gift to yourself or someone else!
Reprinted with permission by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP). The above information is presented for educational purposes only, and it is not a substitute for informed medical advice or training. Please do not use this information to diagnose or treat a mental health problem without consulting a qualified health or mental health care provider.
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