Obsessive compulsive disorder initially was thought to be a relatively rare disorder, but is now recognized as a common psychiatric issue with an estimated lifetime prevalence of 1.9 to 3.3%. The United States has a prevalence rate for this anxiety disorder of one in every one hundred children. Research among the five to six million U.S. adults living with OCD discovered that 50 percent said that their symptoms began in childhood. A statistic like this drives home the need for both parents and educators to have a thorough understanding of the signs and symptoms of OCD in children in an attempt to identify and address the disorder as early as possible in the child’s life. One of the greatest stumbling blocks to seeking professional attention for a child is the myths and misconceptions attached to the behaviour of a child suffering with this disorder.
Mark suffers with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), “characterized by obsessions or compulsions (usually both) that cause marked distress, are time consuming (take more than 1 hour a day), or significantly interfere with functioning.”(Phillips 2009:282). An obsession is defined as a recurrent, persistent, and intrusive thought, impulse or image that is difficult to dismiss despite its disturbing nature. A compulsion is often known as a ritual. It is excessive repetitive behaviour (such as hand washing as in Mark’s case above) or mental acts (such as counting) that are performed to try to decrease the anxiety caused by an obsession. These compulsions are usually difficult to resist or control. (p. 279)
Table of Contents
1. Introduction and definitions
2. Myths and misconceptions
3. Manifestations of obsessive-compulsive disorder
4. Categories of obsessions and compulsions
5. Causes of OCD and triggers
6. Identifying OCD behaviour in the child, a parent’s guide
7. Formal diagnosis
8. Misdiagnoses
9. Treatment options
10. Identifying and dealing with OCD in the classroom, the educator’s role
11. Support for parents
12. Final thoughts
Objectives and Topics
This work aims to provide a comprehensive guide for parents and educators on understanding and supporting children living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), focusing on early identification, available treatment methods, and practical coping strategies.
- Definitions and common myths surrounding childhood OCD.
- Clinical manifestations and categories of obsessions and compulsions.
- Neurobiological and environmental causes of the disorder.
- Strategies for educators to support affected students in the classroom.
- Parental self-care and guidance on seeking professional help.
Excerpt from the Book
Manifestations of obsessive-compulsive disorder…
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can manifest itself in a number of different ways in children as demonstrated in the examples below: (Martin & Costello: 2008)
Jason is three and he’s already very picky about everything! When he puts his toys away, he has to do it in a very particular way. Like holding one round toy and one square edged one in each hand, always the same, and it has to be done in a very specific order. If I help him and it’s ‘out of order’, he’ll throw a tantrum, dump everything out, and start all over again.
Josh, age six, performs an elaborate ritual every night, saying the words, “Mommy, one, two, three, four, five” as he touches each truck, game and stuffed animal lined up on his toy shelves.
Stacy, at ten, counts every word on each page as she reads her book.
Sixteen-year-old Sandra has developed a fear that germs in public restrooms, including the girls’ bathroom in her high school, will give her AIDS. Because she can’t leave the school building to go home midday, she washes up so often and harshly in the morning and afternoon that her hands and arms routinely are red and chafed.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction and definitions: Defines Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and its core components of obsessions and compulsions.
2. Myths and misconceptions: Dispels common inaccuracies regarding the origins and nature of the disorder in children.
3. Manifestations of obsessive-compulsive disorder: Provides practical examples of how OCD symptoms appear in children of different ages.
4. Categories of obsessions and compulsions: Classifies obsessive thoughts and repetitive behaviors into distinct categories like contamination fears or ordering.
5. Causes of OCD and triggers: Explores the neurobiological, genetic, and environmental factors contributing to the development of OCD.
6. Identifying OCD behaviour in the child, a parent’s guide: Offers advice on recognizing behavioral signs and managing parental response.
7. Formal diagnosis: Discusses the importance of professional assessment and the criteria used for diagnosis.
8. Misdiagnoses: Highlights the risk of overlooking comorbid conditions like depression or ADHD.
9. Treatment options: Details the application of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and the role of medication.
10. Identifying and dealing with OCD in the classroom, the educator’s role: Outlines academic impacts and classroom management strategies for teachers.
11. Support for parents: Addresses the psychological impact on parents and the importance of self-care and support groups.
12. Final thoughts: Summarizes the necessity of early intervention and patience in the therapeutic process.
Keywords
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD, childhood mental health, parenting guide, educator's role, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, CBT, compulsions, obsessions, mental health awareness, anxiety disorder, comorbid disorders, neurobiology, school support, serotonin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this book?
The book serves as a practical guide for parents and educators to identify, understand, and support children suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
What are the core symptoms of OCD in children?
The core symptoms involve recurring, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to alleviate anxiety.
What is the main goal of the proposed treatment?
The primary goal is to alleviate the child's distress and improve their functionality through evidence-based methods like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and, where necessary, medication.
Which scientific methods are discussed for treatment?
The book highlights Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), specifically Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) techniques, alongside the use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).
What is covered in the sections directed toward educators?
These sections provide insights into how OCD impacts academic performance and suggest practical classroom adjustments to reduce the child's anxiety and improve their school experience.
Which key terms characterize this work?
Key terms include obsession, compulsion, neurobiological, cognitive behavioural therapy, comorbidity, and early intervention.
How should a parent react to a child's ritualistic behavior?
The book advises against "enabling" the behavior or getting caught up in the child's compulsions, instead encouraging a supportive approach that facilitates professional treatment.
What role does the caudate nucleus play in OCD?
The caudate nucleus is described as a part of the brain's filtering system that, when malfunctioning, fails to filter out worrying ideas, leading to a "worry loop."
Why is early identification of comorbid conditions important?
Many children with OCD also face learning difficulties or other anxiety disorders; recognizing these early ensures that a more comprehensive and effective treatment plan can be implemented.
- Quote paper
- Gary Elliott (Author), 2010, Children with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/275076
