Understanding And Managing Childhood Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Introduction

Almost everyone has had a lucky pen or shirt in their lives, the one they liked to take to exams or wore to auditions and interviews. This may be an irrational superstition, but its moderate and familiar presence helps people cope with unknown challenges. The same goes for children.

In small doses, this motivates kids and helps them deal with new challenges. But when the thought becomes an obsession, and they feel life may fall apart without that particular object, then it may hinder their well-being and progress. In excessive amounts, such obsessive thoughts can cause irrational, superstitious behaviors to prevent a calamity from happening.

For example, your child may think that if they do not recheck all the door and window locks thrice every night, then burglars may attack them. While safety is ideal, when it becomes associated with a particular number or activity for illogical reasons, then such thoughts and actions may be an indicator of OCD or obsessive-compulsive disorder in children. Here’s a quick guide to understanding and managing OCD in children.

Understanding And Identifying OCD In Children

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a mental health condition that alters and influences your child’s thought process. It is a disorder that earlier used to be classified as an anxiety spectrum disorder. However, since it has its own set of signs and triggers, it has been given a separate psychiatric category.

This mental condition causes obsessive and intrusive thoughts in children that cause them to act in irrational ways. This disorder usually occurs in kids exposed to trauma, abuse, low levels of serotonin, brain abnormalities, streptococcal infection, or genetic factors. A common misconception is that OCD means a person who is organized and particular about cleanliness.

While some obsessive-compulsive individuals show signs of obsessive cleanliness and organization, it is not the same for all. The main difference between anxiety and OCD lies in the latter’s obsessions and irrational compulsion. Obsessions are beliefs and thoughts, while compulsions are actions or behaviors. Here are some common obsessions and compulsions in children.

Common Obsessions And Compulsions In OCD Children

Obsessions

1. Concerns About Cleanliness And Germs

Children may worry about cleanliness and contamination due to the presence of millions of microbes on all common household surfaces.

2. Inclination Towards Orderliness And Perfection

Your kids may find comfort in pattern and symmetry which can lead to arranging things in specific orders and patterns. Any disruptions or alterations by external agents can cause great distress to them.

3. Moral And Ethical Fixations

While being an ethical and morally right person is important, some children can obsess and fixate on them. This makes it hard to withstand lying, keeping secrets, or being around people who do. This can disrupt their social life and mental peace.

4. Repetitive Intrusive And Unwanted Thoughts

Sometimes your child’s mind may be constantly bombarded by unwanted and intrusive thoughts and ideas that disturb them. They may be violent or worrisome thoughts they wish to avoid, that cause them further distress instead.

5. Obsessions Regarding Particular Numbers Or Phrases

Sometimes intrusive thoughts take the form of particular numbers, phrases, or even colors. These can get stuck in their minds and cause them to act in irrational ways to get rid of them.

Compulsions

1. Hygiene And Contamination-related Compulsions - Washing And Cleaning Obsessively
2. Organization And Perfectionistic Compulsions - Organizing Items In A Very Specific Manner
3. Accumulative And Hoarding Compulsions - Hoarding Objects Without Clear Value
4. Numeric And Behavioral Rituals - Compulsive Counting Or Repetition Of Phrases Or Actions
5. Verificatory Rituals - Compulsive Verifications To Ensure Safety And Security
6. Preventative Rituals - Acting On Certain Compulsions To Protect And Prevent Imagined Or Apprehended Calamities

Tips On Managing OCD In Children

• It is important to not be misled by common misconceptions about OCD and identify its signs early in kids.
• As children are not able to express their problems with clarity and maturity to parents, it is ideal to keep a look out for obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
• You must be kind to your children without compromising on discipline.
• Do not give in to their fears and behaviors. Help them logically approach and handle them.
• You must be consistent while maintaining boundaries regarding compulsive behavior. Advise other family members to join you in this endeavor and present a united front in this case.
• If your child exhibits OCD symptoms and they have been hampering their social, educational, and personal life, then it may be time to visit a healthcare provider.
• The best ways of dealing with obsessive-compulsive behavior are cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, or medication. The ideal combination suitable for your kids will be suggested by your pediatric psychiatrist.

Conclusion

Obsessive-compulsive behavior may start off unrecognizable and mild in kids but must be addressed as early as possible to avoid chronic signs and symptoms in children. Often OCD is accompanied by other mental health confidence like anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphic disorder. Therefore, it is ideal to refer to this guide and make a decision to visit a mental health care provider, if your child exhibits these signs.