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What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is a mental health disorder that is characterised by obsessions and/or compulsions. Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause distress or anxiety. 

Compulsions are repetitive behaviours or mental rituals that a person uses in an attempt to relieve the anxiety caused by their obsessions. OCD can cause significant impairment in a person’s ability to function at work, school, or home. 

Types of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

There are four different subtypes of OCD: 

  • Checking – Involves repeated checking of specific body parts or items for safety (e.g., making sure the door is locked) or obsessively checking for mistakes (e.g., double-checking arithmetic)
  • Contamination / cleaning – Involves repetitive handwashing, showering, or cleaning rituals (e.g., bleach on doorknobs) in an attempt to avoid contact with germs or contaminants
  • Symmetry / exactness – Involves repeating actions a certain number of times or arranging objects in a precise way (e.g., lining up pencils)
  • Hoarding – Involves excessive collecting of unused or useless objects (e.g., old newspapers)

Signs of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in Children

OCD can present itself as behavioural including things like:

  • Compulsive behaviour
  • Agitation
  • Compulsive hoarding
  • Hypervigilance
  • Impulsivity
  • Meaningless repetition of own words
  • Repetitive movements
  • Ritualistic behaviour
  • Social isolation, or 
  • Persistent repetition of words or actions

Because obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviour affect your child’s ability to relax and enjoy life, your child with OCD might have challenges like: 

  • Problems at school – trouble paying attention or doing homework 
  • Disrupted routines – won’t go to school, come to dinner or go to sleep until their rituals are done 
  • Physical problems - from feeling stressed or not getting enough sleep 
  • Social problems – spends more time on their obsessions and compulsions than with their friends, or they feel ashamed of their OCD or have trouble dealing with other people’s reactions to their behaviour so they avoid social situations 
  • Self-esteem problems – worries that they’re different from their friends and family or that they aren’t in control of their behaviour 
  • Other mental health problems – child anxiety, child depression, teenage anxiety or teenage depression

Treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

OCD is a mental health disorder that can cause significant distress and disruption in a person’s life. Obsessions and compulsions are time-consuming and repetitive behaviours that a person feels compelled to do in order to alleviate anxiety. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, there are many treatment options available. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective form of treatment for OCD. CBT teaches people how to identify and challenge their obsessions and manage their anxiety without resorting to compulsions. Medications, such as antidepressants, can also be helpful in treating OCD. 

Treatment for OCD can also involve a combination of medication and therapy. Medication can help to reduce the severity of obsessions and compulsions, while therapy can provide tools and strategies for managing symptoms. In most cases, treatment is effective in reducing the impact of OCD on a person’s life. However, it is important to note that there is no cure for OCD, and symptoms may flare up at times of stress or change. 

It is important to speak with a mental health professional for more information and treatment options. 

For more information: https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/a-z-health-reference/ocd

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