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.