Have you ever noticed that your child sometimes does the same thing over and over again, or thinks about certain things unnecessarily? Maybe it's not normal. Today we are going to talk about such a condition, which is `(Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)` or `(OCD)` for short. Don't be afraid when you hear this, because being aware of this is the first step.
What is this ``(OCD)``? Let's understand exactly?
Simply put, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a condition in which a child has unwanted, uncontrollable, disturbing thoughts (we call these "Obsessions"), and the pressure caused by those thoughts and the urge to do certain things over and over again to relieve the fear (we call these "Compulsions" or "Rituals"). Think of it like a vicious cycle. The child is bothered by these thoughts, but when they can't stop them, they feel like they have to do something to relieve the pressure.
This can happen to young children as well as older children, meaning younger children. If you think your child may have OCD, the first thing to do is to talk to your child's doctor or mental health counselor . They can help you determine if it's OCD or if there's another cause for your child's symptoms.
What signs can you see as a parent?
The symptoms that can be seen in a child with OCD can be divided into two main categories. These are the Obsessions (disturbing thoughts) and Compulsions (actions that are caused by those thoughts).
What are these disturbing thoughts (`Obsessions`) like?
These are the thoughts that come to your child's mind all the time, and they can't stop thinking about them even though they think they shouldn't . The child doesn't want to think about these things, but they can't control their thoughts. As a parent, you may see these as excessive fears and anxiety in your child. Children with OCD may be unusually anxious or afraid of things like:
- Excessive fear of germs, dirt, diseases, and accidents : For example, they fear that even the sight of a small piece of dirt will cause a serious illness.
- Constantly worrying about someone getting sick, having an accident, or dying : Constantly thinking that something bad will happen to a loved one.
- The feeling that some things are out of place, out of order : Even if the books are a little out of place on the table, it still feels wrong.
- Fear that bad thoughts will actually happen : There is a great fear that a bad thought that comes to mind will actually happen.
- Feeling that things are not straight, not the same, not 'just' as they should be : When putting on two socks, the two stripes on both must be at the same level, or they won't feel right.
What are these `Compulsions` / `Rituals`?
These are the things that the child does to get some relief from those disturbing thoughts and to reduce the fear that something bad will happen . The child thinks that by doing these `(Rituals)`, they can stop those bad thoughts and eliminate the fear. To be precise, they think that they can prevent something bad from happening.
As a parent, you may see things like:
- There are strange touches, knocks, and steps : for example, when going through a door, you knock on the doorknob three times.
- Arranging things the same way over and over again : Trying to always put toys in the same order, in the same way.
- Words, sentence fragments, questions are repeated and asked : The same question is asked of you several times a day.
- I always feel doubtful, and it's very difficult to make decisions : I spend hours thinking about even the smallest things.
- Washing and cleaning too much : rubbing hands for a long time, bathing several times a day.
- Taking too much time to get dressed, bathe, eat, or do housework : Even routine tasks take up unnecessary time.
Think about it, sometimes children even involve their parents in these `(Rituals)`. At first, you may not even realize that it is a `(Ritual)`. For example, the child may ask you the same thing over and over again, trying to get reassurance by saying, ``Is everything okay, Mom/Dad?'' Or, the child may force you to say something a certain number of times, or to do it in a certain way.
It is also important to remember that children with OCD may have only Obsessions, only Compulsions, or both.
How does the child feel about this situation?
In fact, OCD symptoms are very difficult and distressing for children. Although these rituals may initially provide some relief, they gradually increase rather than decrease . This takes up a lot of time and energy, so the child loses time for things they enjoy, such as studying or playing with friends.
OCD thoughts, feelings, and rituals trap the child in a cycle of distress . This makes it difficult to focus on schoolwork, have fun with friends, sleep well at night, and relax.
You can see the baby like this:
- Always worried and afraid.
- Gets angry quickly, gets agitated, and shows irritability.
- He looks sad, tired, and exhausted.
- If you can't do that ``(Ritual)'', you'll be very upset and worried.
- I always ask my parents, 'Is everything okay?' and expect reassurance.
Some children do not tell their parents about these thoughts, fears, and actions. They feel ashamed and confused about this, so they keep it to themselves. Sometimes they even try to hide the `(Rituals)` they do. By the time the parents realize it, the child may have been suffering from these `(OCD)` symptoms for a long time . Therefore, it is important to be attentive to changes in the child's behavior and emotions.
So what are the treatments for this `(OCD)`?
The good news is that OCD is a treatable condition .
The main and most effective treatment for OCD is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This is a form of therapy that is given by a trained counselor, psychiatrist, or psychologist.
In this `(Therapy)`, children are taught ways to control their anxiety and calm their minds. Also, they are gradually taught to face their fears and live with them without doing those `(Rituals)`. This is called `(Exposure and Response Prevention)` or `(ERP)`, and it is a part of `(CBT)`.
Along with therapy, doctors also recommend medication for some children with OCD. Not for everyone, but only for those who need it. The main type of medication given to children who need medication is SSRIs, or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. You may have heard of these names: Zoloft®, Prozac®, and Luvox® belong to this group. These medications work by balancing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters).
For treatment to be successful, it is very important for one of the parents to attend `(therapy)` with the child. Then you too can learn how to respond to the child's `(OCD)` symptoms, how to practice the things you learn in `(therapy)` with the child, and how to support the child on a daily basis.
How can I help my child?
If you suspect your child has OCD, there are many valuable things you can do.
Talk to the child.
Talk to your child about what you have seen in a supportive and loving way . Listen carefully to what your child has to say. Try to understand your child without criticizing them. For example, you might ask, "Son/daughter, I saw you working hard to make sure your socks are exactly the same. I can see that you are under a lot of pressure to make them exactly right. How do you feel at that time?"
Tell your child that this worry and behavior may be caused by a condition called ``OCD.'' Tell your child that they can see a doctor to find out exactly what it is, that it is something that can be treated, and that you are always there to help .
See a specialist.
Make an appointment to see a child psychiatrist or psychologist. Your family doctor can refer you to someone who is a good fit for this. To find out for sure if you have OCD, they will talk to you and your child, ask questions about your child's symptoms, and look for signs of OCD. If they are diagnosed with OCD, they will explain the treatment options to you. This is nothing to be ashamed of, it's just a sign that your child needs help.
Actively participate in your child's treatment
Part of the treatment is to train you as a parent on how to respond to your child's OCD symptoms. Learn all the ways you can help . Learn how to support your child's development without being subject to their rituals. Work with your therapist to help your child.
Be patient.
Getting over OCD is not something that happens overnight, it is a process . There will be good days, there will be difficult days. You will need to go to several therapy sessions. Be sure to go to all of them. Help your child practice what the therapist teaches at home. Praise your child for even the smallest effort. Say things like, "You worked really hard today and did this, I'm proud of you." Always remind your child that OCD is not their fault.
Get support yourself and give it to others.
There are many resources and support organizations that can help families dealing with OCD. There are websites like the International OCD Foundation that provide information online. Knowing that you are not alone can also help you cope. Sharing success stories with other parents can give you hope and confidence.
So, what are the most important things to remember from what we've talked about?
Okay, so here are some things to keep in mind from what we've talked about:
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a treatable mental health condition that can affect children. It is characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions/rituals) that are performed to control them.
- This is not the child's fault, nor is it your fault as a parent. These things can happen to anyone.
- Early identification and appropriate treatment (CBT, medication if necessary) can provide relief to the child and return the child's life to normal.
- Parents' love, understanding, support, and especially patience are very important for the child on this journey.
- If you have even the slightest doubt about your child, don't be shy, don't be afraid, and don't delay in seeking medical advice. That's the best thing you can do for your child.
Remember, you are not alone. With the right knowledge and support, you can cope with this situation successfully.
` OCD, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Children's Mental Health, Obsessions, Compulsions, CBT, Parenting Advice, Sri Lanka, Sinhala, Mental Illness
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