Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Children

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children is characterized by the constant and often prolonged repetition of certain movements or thoughts. Obsessions are recurring, disturbing, illogical thoughts, urges, or images that are recognized as unwanted but are resistant to efforts to distance oneself from them. Compulsions, on the other hand, are behaviors that emerge to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions or are felt to be mandatory based on strict rules. In popular terms, obsessions are known as “anxiety, obsession, preoccupation,” and compulsions are known as “compulsion.”

Children experiencing this problem may have specific thoughts or themes that constantly repeat in their minds. For example, they may constantly worry about dirt or germs or have persistent anxiety about being clean and organized. Additionally, these children repeatedly engage in specific movements, almost ceremonially. For instance, they may wash their hands in a certain way for an extended period or organize their belongings in a very specific manner.

Of course, obsessive-compulsive disorder is not limited to just handwashing. It is related to thoughts and compulsions that cause anxiety, distress, and involve ritualistic behaviors that are believed to protect against harm. It is associated with incessant questioning, endless queries related to safety, certainty, maddening questions, heartbreaking concerns, etc.

Some children dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorder may have complex and comprehensive problems. Sometimes, these issues may be accompanied by various tics and neurological symptoms or manifest through highly unusual behaviors.

While obsessive-compulsive disorder may seem rare and unusual in our surroundings, research on children indicates that it is quite common in the community. The typical onset is between the ages of 9-12, and it occurs almost equally in boys and girls. When looking at the family, there is a high probability of seeing others experiencing similar problems.

Common obsessions include concerns about contamination and dirt, doubt, thoughts about something bad happening, thoughts related to illness and death, and thoughts related to sexuality or religion. Washing, checking, arranging, ordering, and repeating are common compulsions.

It is crucial not to overlook the possibility of other difficulties accompanying OCD. In many cases, other anxiety disorders, depression, or tic disorders may coexist.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a neurobiological problem. The cause is not you or your child. It may be due to genetic factors, structural changes in the brain, or neurochemical changes. Additionally, a stressful event can trigger it. However, more than half of the children with obsessive-compulsive disorder start without any specific cause, without encountering a triggering event.

It is necessary to differentiate some situations from obsessive-compulsive disorder. Small children in normal development may engage in repetitive behaviors. Developmental behaviors like these generally disappear around the age of 8. These behaviors can be done to overcome anxiety or socialize. However, obsessive-compulsive disorder increases anxiety and disrupts socialization. Superstitions can sometimes be confused, but children do not spend too much time on them, and functionality is not impaired.

Although it may seem like a rare and strange disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder is a common condition related to disruptions in brain chemistry and function. While it may appear as a stubborn disorder, it is a treatable condition.

Supporting the family, providing information to the child and family are crucial in the treatment. The family and the child need to understand what OCD is and what it is not, learn about the disease, and realize that unfortunately, it will not get better on its own, and the treatment may be challenging and lengthy.

Medication may be required in treatment. Research indicates that medication and psychotherapy are the most effective solutions.

Many children with OCD benefit from a treatment method called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT involves contemplating and responding to obsessive thoughts and compulsions in OCD and teaches children new ways to respond to them. Thus, children learn to retrain their brains, get rid of obsessions, and learn new skills to deal with them.

The purpose of treatment is to teach children to live with obsessive-compulsive disorder thoughts and compulsions without exhibiting ritualistic behaviors. Ritualistic behaviors are behaviors such as checking, asking, repeating, and redoing. The two steps to reduce children’s sensitivity to obsessive-compulsive disorder are: not performing ritualistic behaviors and overcoming the tension that accompanies it until the feeling of distress decreases. By practicing response prevention and overcoming stress step by step, the power of OCD is reduced.

Children learn to overcome OCD with exercises and response prevention techniques. The primary goal of treatment is to teach children to live with obsessive-compulsive disorder thoughts and compulsions without exhibiting ritualistic behaviors. Ritualistic behaviors include checking, asking, repeating, and redoing. The two steps to reduce children’s sensitivity to obsessive-compulsive disorder are: not performing ritualistic behaviors and overcoming the tension that accompanies it until the feeling of distress decreases. By practicing response prevention and overcoming stress step by step, the power of OCD is reduced.

To apply these skills, the child must understand and master OCD. During the treatment process, parents must be the child’s coach, allowing them to learn effective tactics and encouraging them for success.

Give your child time to learn new concepts, and speak to them in the language they learn through discussions. Remember that fighting OCD is more challenging for your child than what they did before. Support and encourage your child throughout this process.”