Obsessive compulsive disorder refers to a specific type of anxiety that can affect children. Kids have normal worries and doubts but children with OCD struggle to stop their worries and are often taken over by them, which leads to certain repetitive behaviors, states KidsHealth.org. The compulsive behaviors may make normal activities difficult for children to complete. Psychological therapy and sometimes medications are effective in treating this condition in children. Symptoms of OCD can be different for every child with regard to severity, but when recognized, the condition can be managed.
Obsessions
Children and teens share many common obsessions revolving around their environment and new experiences they go through. Examples include fears of dirt, germs, preoccupation with bodily functions, fear of illness or of harm to oneself or relatives and/or the fascination with symmetry, order or precision, according to KidsHealth.org. The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry suggests that over time the obsessions can change. Most are characterized by persistent, irrational thoughts that a child cannot get rid of with normal methods. The AACAP points out that older children can develop a debilitating fear of getting a terminal disease or that something will happen to their family.
Compulsions
The most common compulsions seen in kids and teens, as reported by KidsHealth.org, include grooming rituals like hand washing, showering or teeth brushing, repetitive rituals for nearly any task that they complete daily. The National Institutes of Health points out that children are often identified as having some sort of compulsion after being treated for physical harm done from carrying out their compulsions. This includes skin wounds from repetitive behaviors.
Residual Impact
Children are well aware of their obsessions and compulsions. It can create other residual effects including frustration or guilt for not being able to control their thoughts and actions. KidsHealth.org indicates kids with OCD can suffer from low self-esteem or from shame and embarrassment about their condition. Kids realize their fears are unrealistic or that their behaviors are not going to overcome their thoughts. Other problems can include pressure from not being able to complete everything within a day. The time it takes to carry out their thoughts and behaviors can be lengthy and prevent them from concentrating on other important tasks.
