OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, is a type of anxiety disorder that affects both children and adults. OCD is defined by obsession (upsetting thoughts) and compulsions (rituals); children can have both or just one of these groups of symptoms. The Nemours Foundation estimates that 1 percent of children are diagnosed with OCD. Symptoms begin to appear in children between the ages of 7 and 12 and can disrupt the child's daily life and his ability to interact with other people.
Common Obsessions
The Nemours Foundation notes that common obsessions among children are a fear of germs and contamination. The child may also be afraid of illness and can be preoccupied with his urine and feces. Other common preoccupations are ones with household items. In some cases, the child can have sexual or aggressive thoughts that are abnormal for his age group. Religious obsessions are also common. Additional obsessions include intrusive sounds or words, having lucky or unlucky numbers and needing to have symmetry, order and precision.
Common Compulsions
As with obsessions, the child also has a preoccupation with germs in her compulsions, according to the Nemours Foundation. These include housecleaning rituals, personal grooming rituals and rituals to undo contamination. The child may also repeat the rituals multiple times and need to check things, such as if the door is closed. Ordering, hoarding and collecting things can also occur. Other compulsions include touching rituals, rituals to prevent harm and counting rituals.
Child's Response to Symptoms
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry notes that children can feel ashamed or embarrassed by their symptoms. As a result, they may be hesitant to talk about their thoughts and behaviors; this may also prevent them from answering some of the diagnosis questions for OCD.
Diagnostic Criteria
The Nemours Foundation states that an important step of OCD diagnosis in children is checking the family history, since OCD tends to run in families. Questions are directed at the child's patterns of behavior: asking him if he has any disturbing or confusing thoughts, if he has to do certain activities before going to bed and other similar questions. These questions must be asked in language that the child will understand.
Treatment Options
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry states that multiple treatment options are available to manage the child's OCD symptoms. Psychotherapy, like cognitive or behavioral therapy, treats the underlying conditions of the disorder; family support and education are an integral part, as it helps the family understand what the child is going through. Medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can reduce the severity of the symptoms.
