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Obsessive-Compulsive
Disorder in Children and Adolescents (from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Mental Health Information Center) |
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Every child's mental health is important. • Many children have mental health problems. • These problems are real and painful and can be severe. • Mental health problems can be recognized and treated. |
Mental
health problems affect one in every five young people at any given
time. "Serious emotional disturbances" for children and adolescents refers to the above disorders when they severely disrupt daily functioning in home, school, or community. Serious emotional disturbances affect one in every 10 young people at any given time. For assistance/information call: 1-800-789-2647 National Mental Health Information Center 1-800-969-6642 (press 1) Mental Health America 1-800-273-8255 24 Hour Crisis Line (Mental Health America) 1-240-403-1901 National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health 1-800-950-6264 National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) www.nami.org |
5030
El Camino Avenue, Carmichael, CA 95608, (916) 609-5100, fax (916)
609-5160 info@riveroak.org |
Obsessive-Compulsive
Disorder (OCD) usually begins in adolescence
or young adulthood and is seen in as many as one in 200 children and adolescents. OCD is characterized by recurrent intense obsessions and/or compulsions that cause severe discomfort and interfere with day-to-day functioning. Obsessions are recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses, or images that are unwanted and cause marked anxiety or distress. Frequently, they are unrealistic or irrational. The obsessive thoughts may vary with the age of the child and may change over time. An older child or a teenager with OCD may fear that he will become ill with germs, AIDS, or contaminated food. To cope with his/her feelings, a child may develop "rituals" (a behavior or activity that gets repeated). Research shows that OCD is a brain disorder and tends to run in families, although this doesn't mean the child will definitely develop symptoms if a parent has the disorder. Children and adolescents often feel shame and embarrassment about their OCD. Many fear it means they're crazy and are hesitant to talk about their thoughts and behaviors. Good communication between parents and children can increase understanding of the problem and help the parents appropriately support their child. Most children with OCD can be treated effectively with a combination of psychotherapy (especially cognitive and behavioral techniques) and certain medications. How does River Oak help children and adolescents with OCD? Although generally considered an anxiety disorder, the treatment for OCD at River Oak may include cognitive behavioral therapies in combination with medication. Medication needs are determined by a psychiatric medication assessment with a child psychiatrist. The psychiatrist works closely with parents and caregivers in order to best support the family and child's needs and wishes regarding medication. Therapy will generally include cognitive therapy to understand inaccurate thinking, as well as exposure therapy. Psycho-education for the child and parent is an important part of treatment. Treatment may also include response prevention, behavioral relapse prevention, self monitoring, praise, problem solving skills, social and relational skill building, relaxation, and the use of praise/rewards. Important messages about children's and adolescents' mental health: |