OCD In Children – How To Tell If A Child Has OCD?
OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder does not pick or choose who to infect, it can infect adults and children at the same rate. In children, OCD manifests true worries, which are very difficult to nuance to OCD since children, by nature, are naughty and are always inquisitive about many things. However, there are observable behaviors which parents may use as basis in telling whether the child should be subjected to OCD diagnosis or not. Here is a short list:
1. Worrying about being in unfamiliar places or of being lost
2. Too much worry that one of the parents or both parents will face trouble
3. Worry on the possibility of catching diseases
4. Possibility of being hurt by someone, or the converse
5. Dying
6. The coming-in of burglars and robbers in the house at night
7. Occurrence of thunderstorms, earthquakes, and the like
8. Committing mistakes or failing expectations
9. Having bad thoughts even without the intentions
10. Dirt or germs
11. Anxiety over things which are not even or which are not symmetric
Of course, it is very possible that the reason why a child experiences all the worries mentioned above is not OCD but rather, only emotions or upbringing issues. However, once the child is observed to have these manifestations, it is still best if parents immediately seek for professional help so that the real condition of the child will be known as early as possible.
Once the parents become suspicious of the condition of the child, then OCD diagnosis will definitely need to follow. Parents can get this from treatment facilities where mental health experts are present. They will personally assess the child’s mental condition and identify if the child is indeed an OCD sufferer or not. They will be very interested to know about the child’s history, that is why they will definitely ask about the child’s rituals or traditions. Amongst the most suspicious of rituals are:
o Chewing of pencil tip during exams
o Consulting lucky numbers and colors each time a decision has to be made
o Doing the same gestures before entering or leaving a room
o Making sure to hum a favorite tune before answering a call
Observing the rituals given above, there is really high possibility that the rituals are only caused by parental upbringing or familial tradition and not really OCD. Thus, it is very important the the child be brought to a professional so that proper assessment of the child’s condition is made.
Because children are always very sensitive, it is very important for family members to never let the child feel as if he or she is already different because of OCD. Family members’ job is to always make the child feel welcomed and accepted all the time.
Michelle Anders is an active member of various OCD support groups which seek to help OCD sufferers by studying their OCD behavior and finding ways to understand them.
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