What is OCD?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common mental health condition that affects approximately 2.5 million individuals each year in the United States. Also, The World Health Organization considers OCD to be the 10th leading cause of disability worldwide.
OCD consists of a person developing intrusive obsessional thoughts, images, or urges that can cause feelings of distress and anxiety. To reduce these feelings, individuals with OCD develop compulsions or rituals that temporarily reduces the anxiety around the disturbing obsessions.
Often times people believe OCD is a label used describe someone who is afraid of germs or needs things to be overly orderly. The reality though is that OCD is much more complex and diverse. OCD symptoms can start in childhood, but are often seen in adolescence and young adulthood. OCD also does not discriminate by gender, with women having a slightly increased rate of developing the disorder
How is OCD treated?
Treatment for OCD often starts with evidence-based therapeutic intervention. Effective treatment approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure response prevention (ERP), and acceptance commitment therapy (ACT). At times, medication may be added to one's treatment by a licensed medical provider, to better manage one's symptoms
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Exposure Response Prevention has been found to be the most effective form of therapeutic intervention. It is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy and gradually exposes an individual to situations designed to provoke a person’s obsessions in a safe environment.
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An important note of ERP is that is doesn’t completely remove distressing situations and thoughts, but does provide coping skills to reduce or eliminate compulsive behaviors. Conducting compulsive behaviors is what keeps the OCD cycle going, so eliminating a person's compulsions provides relief from the anxiety of the obsession.
OCD in Children and Teens
OCD symptoms often start in childhood and adolescence. Early diagnosis and treatment provides the highest favorable outcome.
In some cases, OCD symptoms in children may be related to PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders with Streptoccal Infections. This occurs when strep infections trigger an autoimmune response that affects the brain.
Early diagnosis and treatment of both OCD and PANDAS can help manage symptoms and improve the child's of life. If suspect your child may have OCD or PANDAS, please don't hesitate to reach out.
