Some experts uncovered 2 habits that possibly confirm that your child has OCD. Believe it or not, strict daily routines or keeping things overly organised don’t count. In truth, those acts we associate with OCD barely scratch the surface of this condition.
Many children across the globe are experiencing OCD or obsessive-compulsive disorder. They get stuck in a stressful cycle of their thoughts, anxiety, and rituals.
In this article, you’ll read:
- 2 Habits That May Confirm Your Child Has OCD
- 5 Ways You Can Help Your Child With OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may cause upsetting thoughts, known as obsessions. Additionally, it could also urge an individual to do certain behaviours, known as compulsions or rituals.
Kids with OCD commonly get upset when certain things in their lives contradict what they want. They may get agitated when their unwanted thoughts and behaviours interfere with their daily activities.
Do you notice you notice something similar to this in your child? Keep in reading if you want to deepen your understanding of OCD.
2 Habits That May Confirm Your Child Has OCD
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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) mainly affects the brain of the person diagnosed with it. Early signs signifying its progressions often begin during childhood.
Additionally, OCD may cause an individual severe anxiety as it involves both obsessions and compulsions. Unfortunately, this kind of disorder usually affects children’s essential activities, including extracurricular activities, developing friendships, and self-care.
Are you noticing something related to OCD in your child? Here are 2 habits that could help you confirm if your child has an obsessive-compulsive disorder:
Constantly Reassures Their Safety and the People Around Them
Your child may be suffering from obsessive-compulsion disorder (OCD) if they need constant reassurance that they are safe. The child has OCD habits if they always need validation from people around them.
A child has OCD if they commonly ask if they will be okay repetitively. They always wanted to ensure their safety even though there are no obvious or immediate danger. Aside from their safety, they are usually very concerned about the safety of their loved ones, especially their family.
Some patients suffering from OCD usually worry that something terrible might happen to their families. As a result, their compulsion occurs as they repeatedly check in on their family.
Aside from the examples mentioned above, here are other symptoms you could notice if your child has OCD:
- Constantly worry about getting sick
- Fear of germs and compulsive hand washing
- Excessively clingy. One good example is when they tend to refuse to go somewhere because they fear something wrong could happen when they are not together.
A Child Wants to Ensure They Don’t Cause Harm to Anyone
Children with OCD are not just very worried for themselves and their loved ones. They are also commonly showing their concerns towards others.
Kids with OCD have fears of hurting others. They would never want to cause harm to other people, especially those who are around them.
One good example of this symptom is when the child confesses a bad thought. They could not afford to keep it to themselves that they cursed someone inside or thought about hurting them in any way.
Aside from that, they also tend to keep asking someone important to them questions like, “do you still love me?”
Other Examples of Obsessive or Compulsive Behaviours
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Children with OCD commonly show signs or the need to:
- Think about or say something repeatedly
- Do something repeatedly, like handwashing, placing things in specific orders, and checking the same things often.
- Think over repeatedly their unwanted thoughts, impulses, or images which cause them anxiety or distress.
- Do something repeatedly according to specific rules that they believe should be followed precisely in order to make an obsession go away.
5 Ways You Can Help Your Child With OCD
Parents are the primary persons that can help their children in the best ways possible. If you think that your child may have OCD, here is the list of how you can help them at home:
- Be open. It would be better to let your child know what you notice in their actions. However, you must remember to talk in a supportive manner while actively listening and showing love.
- Look for professional help. It would be helpful to consult a doctor or make an appointment with a child psychiatrist or psychologist.
- Participate in your child’s therapy. It will be beneficial if it is not just your child participating in the treatment. If you are present, you can learn how to help your child.
- Be patient. Understand that for your child to overcome the disorder; they need to undergo a process. Along the process, it would be helpful to constantly reassure your child that everything is going to be okay and it is never their fault to have OCD.
- Ask and give support. The thought of not being alone during the process is essential and beneficial. Do not be afraid to ask for help when needed, and offer support when you can.
This article has been republished with the permission of theAsianparent Singapore.
