When we look at the things our little children do, we sometimes feel surprised, don't we? But if you also think that some of their habits and thoughts are a little strange and a nuisance to the child, we should be a little concerned about it. At such times, another aspect we should think about is the condition we are going to talk about today called `OCD` (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder). Don't be afraid, let's talk about this simply.
What is `OCD`?
Simply put, a child with OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) has thoughts that are very difficult to control and that cause a lot of distress and pressure. Also, the child feels compelled to do certain things to the point of being unable to do them, either to relieve the fear and pressure caused by those thoughts or to fear that something bad will actually happen. These are not things the child does voluntarily.
Is `OCD` just about being tidy?
This is where many people make a small mistake. `OCD` is not just about being neat and tidy, keeping everything neat. When children are young, they like to put some toys in order and sort them by color. That's normal. But `OCD` is something completely different. In this case, the child does those things not out of love or for fun. It's because he has a strong pressure and compulsion that he has to do it. If he doesn't do it, he feels great fear and anxiety.
What are the ``obsessions`` that occur in ``OCD``?
Let's now look at what these disturbing thoughts, or what are called ``obsessions'' in medical science, can be like in the mind of a child with ``OCD.'' These are not just thoughts, but thoughts that cause great stress and fear for the child.
- Constantly thinking that someone will get into trouble, get sick, or die: For example, you might have a fear like, "If I don't do this right, something will happen to my mother."
- Feeling like everything is full of germs and dirty: Feeling like you've been contaminated by germs even when you touch a door or a toy.
- The idea that everything should be in order, in one piece, and exactly: the idea that things like the way books are arranged, the way shoes are arranged, and so on, should be exactly symmetrical and the same.
- Believing that certain things are lucky/unlucky, good/bad, safe/dangerous: for example, irrational beliefs such as writing with a blue pen will help you pass an exam, and drawing with black will bring bad luck.
- Fear that bad thoughts (e.g., bullying someone) will actually happen.
When thoughts like these come to a child's mind, they can't control them, and they feel very sad about it.
What are the `Compulsions` or `Rituals` that occur in `OCD`?
Now, when such disturbing thoughts come, the child feels the need to do certain things, either to reduce the fear and pressure caused by those thoughts, or to fear that something bad will actually happen. We call these `(Compulsions)` or `(Rituals)`. In Sinhala, it is something like `(வா பணியான்)'.
- Repeated washing and cleaning: Doing things like washing hands, bathing, and cleaning things repeatedly and excessively.
- To erase, erase, and rewrite what you have written, to redo what you have done: To erase and rewrite a word several times, doubting whether it is correct.
- Repeating a word, phrase, or question (either silently or out loud).
- Checking things multiple times, not just once or twice: Checking multiple times to see if the door is locked or the lights are turned off.
- Unusual touching, tapping, or stepping: Feeling like you have to touch certain things, or that you don't feel like touching them. Like stepping only on the curb when walking on the street.
- Needing to keep things in perfect order: Feeling like things like toys, books, and clothes need to be placed in a specific order and in a specific way.
Even though the child may feel a temporary relief when doing these practices, after a while the disturbing thoughts start coming back. Then they need to do these practices again. It's like a cycle.
How does this feel for a child with OCD?
Imagine, when a little child has `OCD`, he feels like he is trapped. He struggles with these obsessive thoughts and obsessive habits. For example, a child with `OCD` might think: "If I don't touch all four corners of this table properly, my mother will get sick and die." The child may know that these things will never happen. However, the fear and pressure in his mind are so intense that he has to do the `ritual` to prevent that bad thing from happening.
At first, the child may feel a little better when doing this habit. But what happens with `OCD` is that these annoying habits gradually increase. The time and effort spent on doing them increases. Instead of making the child feel better, these habits bring him more stress and fatigue. The child doesn't really want to think these thoughts or do these habits. But because of `OCD`, he can't stop them.
Sometimes children wonder, "Why am I thinking this? Why am I doing this?" They may not realize that these things can happen because of a condition called OCD.
What should you do if your child has these symptoms?
So, if you, a child reading this, are having these kinds of uncontrollable, distressing thoughts, or if you feel like doing certain things that you can't help but do, don't be afraid. You are not alone. The most important thing is to tell your mom, dad, or an adult you trust about this. They will help you.
As a parent , it's very important not to panic if your child says something like this, or if you notice these changes in your child's behavior.Don't blame the child or dismiss it as "just thinking." The best thing to do is to take him to a good pediatrician or child psychiatrist to determine if this is OCD.
Remember, early detection and treatment will provide great relief for the child.
Why do some children develop OCD?
Many parents wonder, "Did we do something wrong?" or "Did the child do something wrong?" There is no such thing. Scientists have not yet found a specific cause for OCD. However, it is believed that certain genetic influences can cause some children to develop obsessive-compulsive behaviors to relieve stress. Imbalances in certain chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters) may also play a role.
The most important thing is to understand that this is not the child's or the parent's fault. It is not something your child is doing intentionally, nor is it a flaw in your parenting.
The good news is, there are treatments that can help! You can help your child break free from these stuck thoughts and painful habits. It will be a great relief for both you and your child.
What are the treatments for OCD?
The main and most effective treatment for children with OCD is CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). In Sinhala, it means 'cognitive behavioral therapy'.
The treatment method called `CBT` (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
This involves the child (sometimes with the parents) talking to a therapist and learning more about this condition called `OCD`.
The therapist will explain more about OCD to the child. For example, they will explain that these stuck thoughts and fears are like a little 'hiccup' in the brain, or a 'trick' that the brain plays to make you think that something bad will happen if you don't do the ritual. Both the child and the parent will learn that doing the ritual will only make the OCD stronger. They will also learn that the more they practice not doing the ritual, the weaker the OCD will become.
What children learn in `CBT`
This may sound easy, but it is very difficult for a child with OCD to suddenly stop these annoying habits. That is why this treatment teaches special techniques and skills to help with this. In CBT treatment, children learn things like:
- How to deal with anxiety and fear, and how to manage them.
- Calming skills.
- What to do when a disturbing thought comes to mind, how to respond to it.
- How to defeat the 'tricks' of OCD without falling for them.
- How to face your fears slowly and safely.
- How to gradually stop a bad habit (`Ritual`).
- How to control OCD and increase self-confidence.
As the child practices these new skills, the problems caused by OCD gradually decrease and disappear. Children learn that they can get rid of the disturbing thoughts without doing the rituals. They feel in control of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors again.
Medicines
For some children, along with this `CBT` treatment, the doctor may also prescribe medications to help control the `OCD` symptoms. This is not necessary for everyone. It is decided by the relevant doctor, considering factors such as the child's condition and the severity of the symptoms.
Finally, remember this.
So, in conclusion, OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) is a condition that can be very distressing for a child, but it is not something that should be endured alone. And it is not someone's fault.
The most important thing is to identify this condition accurately and start appropriate treatment, especially `CBT` (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), as soon as possible. This will help children overcome these troubling thoughts and habits. They will have a great opportunity to regain control of their minds, do the things they love, succeed in their studies, and be happy with their friends. Your love, understanding, and support are very important to your child at this time.
` OCD, OCD in children, obsessive thoughts, obsessive habits, mental health, CBT, treatment
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