Ocd & Anxiety Treatment

By Author: Anxiety OCD
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Children who are affected by obsessive-compulsive disorder not only face the typical challenges of childhood, but are doing so with a level of anxiety that can prevent them from participating in the positive aspects of being a kid.

Children who are affected by obsessive-compulsive disorder not only face the typical challenges of childhood, but are doing so with a level of anxiety that can prevent them from participating in the positive aspects of being a kid. Aside from the trials and tribulations associated with physical growth, hormonal changes, social life and academics, there is a layer of additional worry and anxiety for children with obsessive-compulsive disorder. This presents these children and their families with difficult and frustrating situations that, at times, can seem hopeless.

When parents of children with obsessive compulsive disorder are unaware that their children is dealing with a severe anxiety disorder, they may think that the child is going through a phase, or that they are purposely trying to get attention. Nothing could be further from the truth for children who have OCD. They are limited ...
... in their activities because of the effects of this disorder.

This is often perfectly normal, but imagine how difficult, frustrating and sometimes downright debilitating it would be if the worry and anxiety occupied your attention to such an extent that you could not do or thing about anything else. Imagine if these thoughts could only be temporarily quelled through very specific, repeated behaviors; behaviors that interfered with getting out of the house, doing your homework, playing with your friends, participating in family events, or even getting enough sleep. Recent estimates show that this is the case for 2 to 3 percent of children because they are suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). A child living with this disruptive anxiety disorder is more than just an eccentric kid who worries too much. She is dealing with a real illness that is beyond her control.

OCD is comprised of two parts: the excessively troubling worries and fears (the obsessions), and the repeated behaviors or rituals the child feels MUST be done to stave off the bad feelings (the compulsions). The obsessions may take many different forms, but commonly involve concerns of contamination by germs, of harm coming to oneself or others, or a strong need for perfect order or symmetry. The compulsions are also varied, but typical examples include excessive hand washing or disinfecting, repeated questioning, seeking reassurance, needing specific numbers of repetitions, checking and re-checking locks on doors and windows, and arranging items in very specific ways. While some of these and other ritualized behaviors may be perfectly normal, for a child suffering from OCD, the ritual feels absolutely necessary in order to keep performing the ritual again and again for long periods of time, interfering with the most basic of daily activities.

Children struggling with OCD often recognize that their behavior is abnormal and that their feelings are different from that of friends and classmates. This awareness does not allow them to stop the worrying or the behavior, but often makes them feel shameful, confused or depressed. They might not know why they feel compelled to perform the rituals. As a result, these children may try to hide their compulsive behaviors from their peers, teachers, or even parents. A parent who does notice the behavior, but does not recognize that his or her child is powerless over the illness, might make the situation worse either by participating in it or by telling the child to stop being “silly” or “childish.” It is important for parents to recognize that OCD is a serious illness and that children who suffer from it need professional treatment.
Resource: http://rogershospital.org