Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder and is characterised by recurrent, unwanted thoughts which can become obsessions, and repetitive behaviour termed as a compulsion. Repetitive behaviour such as repeatedly washing your hands, counting, checking or cleaning are often performed with the hope of preventing obsessive thoughts or making them go away. Performing these so-called ‘rituals’ provides only temporary relief and not performing them or being prevented from doing so markedly increases anxiety.
Inidividuals with OCD may also be preoccupied with order and symmetry, have difficulty throwing things out or hoard unneeded items. It is quite common for those not suffering from the disorder to have rituals such as checking to see if the stove is off several times before leaving the house. The difference is that people with OCD perform their rituals even though doing so interferes with daily life and they find the repetition distressing. Although most adults with OCD recognise that what they are doing is a symptom of the disorder and may be fully aware that they have a form of OCD, most children may not realise that their behaviour is out of the ordinary. Because the child may be unaware of the condition but is still suffering from the effects of obsessive or compulsive behavioural patterns, it can become extremely stressful for the child and self-perpetuate a destructive cycle of behaviour that can increase anxiety and stress levels. This can lead onto other behavioural problems such as eating or sleeping disorders.
What causes OCD in children?
The causes of OCD in children can be extremely difficult to pinpoint. Biologically, studies have shown that a predisposition towards anxiety may be hereditary, although there is also the theory that a child may subconsciously pick up on the anxieties of their parents and emulate these reactions to a more extreme level. Brain imaging studies have also shown that individuals with OCD sometimes show different neuro-chemical brain activities than those without the condition, although these studies are very much in their early stages.
More likely explanations for the development of OCD come from psychological causes, such as learned behaviour, an inability to distinguish between actual and perceived threats or dangers or a ‘locked-in’ thought process which the child may find difficult to break free from and control normal compulsions. An inability to communicate their fears and anxieties through limited verbal communication abilities may also perpetuate the condition.
How can OCD be treated?
One of the most successful forms of treatment for OCD is through the use of Cognitive Behavioural therapy. This form of therapy has been a very successful OCD treatment for children since it can be adapted to suit the needs of each child. Cognitive behavioural therapy focuses on the irrational thoughts behind the obsessions and compulsions and teaches children to overcome them. The first part in this process is being able to vocalise and communicate that fear, and this is where Verbal Behaviour can compliment the process. By being able to explain their fear or anxiety in a rational, verbal form, the child can begin to explain their behaviour, not only to their parents but to themselves as well.
If a child fears dirt, for example, a therapist will help to challenge the child’s perception that dirt is dangerous and will encourage fun games that involve getting the hands dirty. This is done slowly and sensitively at the child’s own pace. Through exposure to the object or situation, the child learns not to fear it. Family members are taught how to help their children overcome their struggles as a way of life, providing them with the tools to do this themselves as they grow up.
Verbal Behaviour also encourages the child to stop ritualistic behaviours by offering more constructive ways of dealing with anxiety. This form of therapy has promising long-term effects, and works best with the co-operation of family members and those within the child’s social groups.
At VBC, we understand how distressing OCD behaviour can be, not only to the learner but to the family as well. By working closely with everyone involved in the situation, an understanding of the child’s anxieties can be learned, possibly identifying the triggers that have caused the initial fear in the first place. It is then a matter of replacing the obsessive compulsive behavioural patterns with less destructive ones through an ability to communicate effectively and so confront the root cause of the OCD behaviour head on.
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