Symptoms of OCD in Children

How to Tell if a Child Might Have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Jun 16, 2009 Emily Retherford

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder effects millions of people, including children. However, children may hide their symptoms making it difficult to properly diagnose them.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) effects countless people, including children. People who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder feel an intense urge to complete certain rituals and have obsessive thoughts that they can't control. The thoughts are usually unwanted and completing their ritual, temporarily relieves their anxiety making the thoughts go away for short amounts of time.

The disorder can be hard for adults to manage; for children it can be devastating. Even kids who aren't suffering from OCD feel the urge to fit in with other kids around them. Children who suffer from the disorder may hide their symptoms from their loved ones for fear of rejection. They too, feel the urge to fit in and since they can't control their obsessions and rituals, they tend to hide them instead. Hiding them often means that children aren't properly diagnosed for months or even years, even though the symptoms have been there the entire time.

Obsession with Numbers

Children who suffer from OCD often have an unusual obsession with numbers and it can show in various ways. Some children are obsessed with counting up to the same number, time and time again. Other children may have "safe" and "unsafe" numbers. Children may also choose to like even or odd numbers better. An obsession with numbers may also present itself in children by them feeling the need to complete tasks a certain number of times. For example, the simple task of flipping a light switch may need to be done three times in a row in order for a kid with OCD to be able to relax.

Obsession with Symmetry

An obsession with symmetry also commonly presents itself in children who suffer from OCD. This obsession can come in a few different ways as well. Children with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder may frequently repeat tasks, like tying their shoes, until the shoestrings look even. It may cause them extreme anxiety and they panic if something is out of place. Children with this disorder often like to see things look even and need things to be where they belong. They also may not like people to touch things for fear something will get out of order.

Fear of Dirt and Germs

Fear of contamination is one of the more common OCD symptoms that's seen in children. The fear of contamination may cause a severe fear of dirt and germs. This fear may cause some children to wash more than normal. Some children may wash more frequently or for longer periods of time, while others may wash themselves in a pattern. Children suffering from this symptom may not like to participate in things a normal child would enjoy, like going to the playground or completing a messy art project. A lot of children with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder don't like the possibility that they may get dirty.

Checking Compulsions

A checking compulsion normally stems from the fear that something bad will happen to someone they love. These children may feel the need to check and recheck the doors and windows numerous times to make sure they are locked and secure. In some children, the checking compulsion may appear in other ways. They may need to check and recheck things, like answers to a test, to the point where they don't complete the task at hand.

Hypersensitivities

Like the other symptoms of OCD, hypersensitivities can show themselves in various ways. Some children may not like to wear certain clothes. Things like the seams or threading may bother to the point of panic. For example, some children may only wear socks inside out because the thread at the toe bothers them. Some children may have a bad reaction to certain foods or even how the food is arranged on the plate. Often children with OCD experience a heightened sense of touch: if they like the way something feels, they may need to touch it repeatedly.

Hoarding Things

Children with OCD can be pack rats. They may hoard things or collect belongings. This stems from a fear that something bad will happen if they get rid of things that they own. The fear can make them hoard uncommon things and often times they hide this symptom from those they love. They hide the fact that they hoard belongings for the fear that their parents may get rid of something. Often, children with OCD may panic at people touching things that belong to them because they can't bear to think of something happening to that belonging.

References:

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Symptoms and Treatment of Compulsive Behavior and Obsessive Thoughts, Helpguide.org

The copyright of the article Symptoms of OCD in Children in General Medicine is owned by Emily Retherford. Permission to republish Symptoms of OCD in Children in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Boy

What do you think about this article?

---

NOTE: Because you are not a Suite101 member, your comment will be moderated before it is viewable.

post your comment

What is 1+0?