Information on OCD

OCD is a type of anxiety disorder. Kids with OCD become preoccupied with whether something could be harmful, dangerous, wrong, or dirty. Kids with OCD may also worry about things being out of "order" or not "just right." They may worry about losing "useless" items, sometimes feeling the need to collect these items.

Someone with OCD feels strong urges to do certain things repeatedly — called rituals or compulsions. Children may have a difficult time explaining a reason for their rituals and say they do them "just because" or "I have to".

Doctors and scientist aren't exactly sure what causes OCD, although recent research shows that normal levels of serotonin is blocked, this is also referred to as the brains "wake up, alarm system". Evidence and research is now also showing that OCD may tend to run in the family. Genetics may play a role, and without severe OCD, you may not even know that you have it.

There are other anxiety disorders that are also do to a lack of serotonin. A parent, or grandparent could have something like this, and then a descendant is predisposed for an anxiety disorder too.

It is estimated that 1% of children in the United States experience OCD, which is characterized by a pattern of rituals and obsessive thinking that generally lasts more than an hour each day, causes a child distress, or interferes with daily activities.OCD can make daily life difficult for the kids that it affects and for their families. The behaviors often take up a great deal of time and energy, making it more difficult to complete tasks, such as homework or chores, or to enjoy life.

Some normal feelings of OCD may include:
fear or anxiety of something bad happening
fear of dirt, or dirty things
need for rituals, and normality
religious obsessions
preoccupation with household items

Some normal actions of OCD may include:
constant cleaning
constant hygiene or washing hands
counting rituals
touching rituals
words or number repetition
ordering objects by color, size, or type
checking their actions over and over

Recognizing OCD is often difficult because kids can become adept at hiding the behaviors. Most parents may see it as a phase, or change in their child's behavior and/or personality. Environmental and stress factors can trigger the onset of OCD. Changes such as school, moving, divorce, death in family, and other family or personal changes.

If you are a parent who notices your child washing their hands constantly, with the uncontrollable urge to keep things clean, rituals that can not be changed, talk with your pediatrician about the possibility of OCD. Remember that these compulsions, or episodes are uncontrollable, not at the fault of your child. Trying hard to fight these urges can actually damage them, emotionally and physically. If you seek treatment for your child with OCD it may involve therapy, and or medications. Therapy would include analysing their fear and obsessions and trying to prevent or change them.Once a child is in treatment, it's important for parents to participate, to learn more about OCD, and to modify expectations and be supportive.Keep in mind that it's the OCD that is causing the problem, not the child. The more that personal criticism can be avoided, the better.

Kids with OCD get better at different rates, so try to avoid any day-to-day comparisons and recognize and praise any small improvements. Trying to keep things in the right place, or keeping household rituals the same can also help your child deal with day to day compulsions. If there isn't a need to adjust things, such as reorganizing, or putting things in their place, it may be easier for the child.

When your child is diagnosed with OCD it can be devastating and confusing to the parent. This is not the end of the world. It is just a disorder, or illness that can be manageable. Your child needs to know that its not their fault that they have those feelings or thoughts. There is help out there, either by support groups, personal stories, and professionals.