This is made even worse if the child is ashamed of the behaviors and the urge to engage in distressing behaviors. It is clear that OCD also affects family members and friends as well as the struggling child. Family members might begin to feel rejected because the children struggle with the fear of illness so they might reject affection and hugs because they are afraid of germs. These children can also be afraid of being near something or someone who has been around an ill person, which can cause social issues and detachment or lead to things like teasing at school. As an example, if children with OCD have obsessions over germs, they might wash their hands so often that they become so dry that they crack, or bleed. It is very important to note that obsessions and compulsions are much more than mild annoyances and can take a lot of time and cause noticeable distress. Also, if a specific obsession or compulsion goes away, other obsessions or compulsions could change as well. On the contrary, non-stressful times and situations such as a day off of school can lessen symptoms. For example, stressful times and experiences can cause obsessions and compulsions to come more often and be more intrusive (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The course that OCD takes can evolve as time goes on. Also, people with OCD may have compulsions without obsessions or obsessions without compulsions. In the end, it doesn’t matter that the obsessions don’t appear related to the compulsions - they can still lead to a diagnosis of OCD. Sometimes, it is difficult to find a connection between obsessions and compulsions, such as when an individual counts to a specific number because they are afraid of someone they love being harmed if they don’t. Another example would be those who are afraid of germs and bacteria and therefore compulsively continue to wash their hands. For example, a student might be afraid of failing an exam so he or she will miss lunch or recess to compulsively check his or her answers. Obsessions and compulsions can exhibit themselves in related ways. A cycle begins because the relief reinforces the urge to complete the behavior. Unfortunately, though, the tension is reduced only temporarily. He or she will experience relief after completing the behavior. Compulsions can include rituals, washing hands, checking behaviors, praying, or counting compulsively.Ĭhildren who have OCD perform certain behaviors that are an attempt to reduce tension or crippling anxiety caused by an obsession (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Obsessions can include many things, including fears of uncleanliness, urges for perfection, or fears of hurting other people or oneself.Ĭompulsion: Compulsions are behaviors or mental acts that have to be repeated, which is usually a response to something that would classify as an obsession (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Obsession: Obsessions are urges, images, or thoughts that begin to be intrusive and hard to ignore (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). It is the presence of obsessions and/or repetitive compulsions. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is exactly what it sounds like. The first thing parents can do is educate themselves on OCD in children so they are able to understand what their children are experiencing and ways to get beneficial assistance. Fortunately, treatment is available that will control the symptoms and the emotional breakdowns or fights that come with them. Watching a child start to show symptoms of OCD such as irrational fears or quirky behaviors can be very distressing for a parent. Like us if you are enjoying this content. (949) 386-7179 Please give us a call, we are here to help.Careers Become an affiliated Christian counselor.
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