Obsessive compulsive disorder is the psychiatric anxiety where person suffers from distressing, obsessive and intrusive compulsions and thoughts. These compulsions are the attempts to neutralize the obsessions. In medical terms, OCD can be described as the persistent, recurrent thoughts, images or impulses that are inappropriate and intrusive, and can cause marked distress and anxiety.
During childhood, OCD is not a personality quirk or a minor problem, but it can be a really debilitating disability. Children suffering from OCD experience embarrassment, anxiety and even harassment. If parents are conscious, prompt and consistent intervention can help children get hold of their lives.
OCD is a chronic, relapsing illness, and if left untreated, the need to perform the rituals or obsessions can spoil person’s life. Fortunately, the effective treatments have been developed that can treat the people with OCD. This disorder affects men and women equally, and typically begins during early childhood or adolescence.
The obsessive compulsive disorder treatment in children combines behavioral therapy and medications. Fluoxetine, clomipramine, sertraline, fluvoxamine and paroxetine have been proven quite effective in treating people with OCD. Behavior therapy includes exposing a child to the things that cause anxiety, and then preventing from reacting or responding with usual rituals. The cognitive behavioral therapy also offers obsessive compulsive disorder treatment in children, and helps kids change the feelings and thoughts by changing their behavior first. This method exposes the kids to their fears, and the agreement is made that no usual rituals will be performed. It helps them realize that their anxiety and fear will eventually subside without any disastrous outcome.
The obsessive compulsive disorder treatment in children must be logical, consistent and done in the supportive manner. It is important to consult the therapist who has certification, and experience to treat this disorder. In addition to providing obsessive compulsive disorder treatment in children, it is essential to give full family support and cooperation to the child, as it will help child respond better to the treatment. Understand that OCD is not the child’s fault, and it is important for parents to learn about OCD, modify their expectations, participate in the treatment and be supportive. Avoid any kind of personal criticism, and remember that it is not the child causing the problem, its OCD.
As an effective obsessive compulsive disorder treatment in children, keeping the family routines simple and normal can be very helpful. Don’t let OCD rule the household, and help all the family members learn ways to help the suffering child.
