What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder? - Maximed Turkey
What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder. Obsessions are unwanted and repeated thoughts, images, or urges that make you anxious.
These thoughts may be based on worries about dirt and germs, fear of violence and harm to oneself and others, and fear of making stupid mistakes.
Compulsions are things you do that might bring short-term relief from the obsessions such as excessive checking of doors or locks.
If you think you may have OCD please talk with a doctor or therapist as soon as possible so they can help treat your symptoms with medication and behavioral therapy.
What Causes OCD?
The cause of OCD is not known. There is no evidence that it has any hereditary, environmental, or genetic causes. However, stress and anxiety can increase the risk of developing OCD in a child who already has a history of it in both her parents or close relatives.
What Are The Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Typical symptoms include:
· Obsessions: worries about dirt and germs, fear of violence and harm to oneself and others, fear of making stupid mistakes.
· Compulsions: excessive checking of doors or locks or handwashing. In children, this may mean excessive cleaning or checking with a doorstop to make sure a door is closed completely before leaving a room.
· Avoidance of situations or objects or extreme distress about having these thoughts, feelings, or objects. Children may be extremely reluctant to do certain tasks, play with certain toys, go to school, visit someone's house, have a bath, etc.
What Should I Do If I Think My Child Has OCD?
If you think your child may have OCD please talk with a doctor or therapist as soon as possible so they can help treat your child's symptoms with medication and behavioural therapy. Your doctor can help you decide which type of treatment might be best for your child.
There are many treatment options available for children with OCD including medications and behavioural therapy. Which treatment is best depends on your child's situation. Disruptive behaviours may decrease when your child receives medication.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) helps the patient learn to cope with OCD healthily. Children can learn to recognize and change their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to help reduce the distress caused by OCD.
Children may be taught to recognize when their obsessions are not helpful in problem-solving, making them less likely to act on their obsessions, which will then reduce the severity of the behaviour (the compulsive), and eventually eliminate it (the compulsion).
What Are The Treatment Options For OCD?
Various types of medications are used to treat OCD. The most effective medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
These medications help increase the amount of a chemical messenger called serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is believed to block obsessions and compulsions by controlling moods. It also helps regulate other chemicals in the brain.
Risks associated with SSRIs are lower severity of depression, anxiety, agitation, insomnia, or restlessness. Side effects may include dry mouth or insomnia, headache, increased sweating, or increased appetite.
If you are taking an SSRI, it may take longer than usual for it to work. It is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed.
Other medications may be given for other disorders that might cause OCD. Sometimes these medications are prescribed to help control the symptoms of OCD or other mental health disorders.
They can help reduce anxiety, depression, mania, sleep difficulties, and urinary incontinence (the inability to fully empty the bladder). The most common medications used in conjunction with behavioral therapy include:
Frequently Asked Questions on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
What Causes The Poor Response To Medication?
There may be other causes of poor response. Children may have an underlying disorder that affects the nerves in the brain, which are responsible for sending messages related to obsessions and compulsions.
There may also be a genetic cause. Children with OCD have higher rates of anxiety disorders in their families.
What Can Parents Do?
Be supportive and reassuring. Make sure your child knows how much you care. Let him know that you are there to help him manage his behavior. Reassure him that he is not bad or crazy, but has OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder).
Children who know they are not alone will suffer less fear, shame, and isolation. Children with OCD have a higher rate of anxiety disorders in their families.
