Possible Symptoms of Childhood OCD

From Possible Symptoms of Childhood OCD | myOCD.net,

I picked up an amazing OCD self-help book recently: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder for DUMMIES. . Not only did this book help with my obsessive-compulsive behaviors and give me a massive amount of respect for the DUMMIES series, but there is one major section of the book that focuses on helping other people suffering with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Because of how important childhood is in human development, we will start with detecting symptoms in childhood.

Unfortunately, many of the symptoms that plague adults with OCD are just as common in children. In fact, OCD generally begins in childhood, usually around the age of seven. Children will do their best to hide their symptoms out of shame, embarrassment, or even fear that they might be crazy. They also may not be able to talk about their obsessions, due to lack of vocabulary or insight. However, parents can usually point out some of the compulsions that go along with those obsessions. So what kinds of symptoms should you look out for?

   

• Counting aloud repeatedly.
• Excessive concern with appearance.
• Excessive worry about religion.
• Hoarding.
• Finding interest in “lucky” and “unlucky” objects, including numbers.
• Excessive concern about cleanliness.
• Checking locks repeatedly.
• Repetition.
• Strict routines, reacting in anger when routines are broken.
• Demanding symmetry and order.

If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, it could be a sign of obsessive-compulsive disorder.HOWEVER!, your child having one or two of these symptoms does not necessarily mean your child has OCD.  Also, this list is not all-inclusive.  Obsessive-compulsive disorder can take many different forms.  The most important criteria to determining whether your child has OCD is:

Does it interfere with my child’s quality of life?

When you strip everything else away, that is what a disorder truly is. If you feel your child does have a disorder, it may not be obsessive-compulsive disorder. There are many other related conditions, which is why it is important to go to a professional. Although mistakes do happen, licensed professionals are generally the most qualified to make a diagnosis.

Do you have a child that suffers from OCD?  What symptoms have you noticed?  Do you have any questions or concerns?  Leave them in the comments!

 

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