Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can be a challenging mental illness to deal with in children. Understanding causes, symptoms and modes of treatment helps parents cope.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder affects between1 and 3 % of the North American population, depending on region and age. Although the chances of developing OCD are higher in one's twenties, many of those who have OCD claim that its symptoms began between the ages of seven and twelve. Boys are more likely to develop symptoms earlier than girls. Research suggests that genetics and brain chemistry deviations in seratonin production are responsible for OCD onset, not parenting errors or even life crises.
The Signs of OCD in Childhood
OCD falls into two categories: obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions involve thoughts. The child may have irrational fears of death or injury, inappropriate sexual fantasies, or have to order ideas in their minds until it "feels right." Compulsions are actions. They are means by which the child tries to control their obsessions. These may include hyper-cleanliness (such as excessive hand washing), extreme orderliness, or constant checking (from the lights being off to whether there's a monster under the bed.) Many children are tidy or have supersitious notions as to the appropriate order of things. This is not OCD. OCD interrupts all of life's routines, from schooling to meals. If these compulsions are not acted out in an attempt to quell the obsessions, the child will likely have a temper tantrum, threaten self injury or otherwise create a disturbance.
When Should You Seek Help?
If the OCD is mild, the patterns won't be continuously obvious, nor will they interfere with normal functioning. When the OCD requires treatment, the patterns of touching or checking and the voiced fears will overpower the child's regular routines. For instance, their grades will drop as they can't concentrate on lessons when they need to wash their hands every fifteen minutes. Also, if you try to alter these patterns in an OCD child, you will be met with an extreme reaction, from threats to prolonged screaming or crying.
What Kind of Help Is Available?
There are two main kinds of treatment that doctors recommend. One is cognitive behavioral therapy in which the child is first exposed to their obsessions and compulsions, then required to address their reactions. This therapy, combined with open discussion about issues in the child's life, has proved quite successful. The other option, used in tandem with therapy, is the use of medications. These are not specific to OCD however, but are prescriptions such as Paxil, which is also used for bipolar and other anxiety disorders. They work by increasing seratonin production. In children, the side effects can be more severe, thus the dosage should be small.
How Can You Support Your Child?
OCD can be very frustrating for a parent. One can feel helpless. Understanding that one is not directly responsible for the mental illness is a good start. Then it's easier to listen openly to one's child as they discuss their obsessions. Never try to shame them out of their compulsions which are, after all, survival mechanisms. Be compassionate. With time and treatment, OCD symptoms can lessen and even disappear.
Disclaimer: This article is based on experience and research. Always consult with a medical professional before commencing any treatment for a mental illness.
