Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
Suggested for you
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Children
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common condition in children worldwide with about one child in every 100 in the US, being diagnosed with it. While the behaviour triggered by the condition varies in each child, the underlying problem causing it may be identified and controlled with appropriate treatments.
Sometimes OCD can be mistaken for erratic behaviour and not diagnosed until later. It is essential for parents to understand OCD and recognise its symptoms and signs to ensure that adequate and timely help is secured for their kids.
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
OCD is a neurobiological disorder that may compel kids to resort to compulsive behaviours caused due to intrusive thoughts or fears. The condition causes intense anxiety or fear, otherwise known as obsessions, in children about any particular or several things. To reduce this stress, they may often engage in compulsive acts or compulsions.
It can be characterised by sudden panics and repetitive actions and shares its symptoms with conditions like ADHD, Tourette’s syndrome, and autism.
How common is OCD in children?
OCD is considered to be the fourth most common conditions worldwide, with about one in every seven people suffering from it. It is estimated that one in every 100 children in the US has OCD. It is found to be more prevalent in developed countries in comparison with the developing countries.
OCD may manifest in kids as young as 1.5 years old. Young kids are often unable to express their fears and obsessions making diagnosis difficult if not impossible. They may also try to hide their compulsion for fear of being bullied or ridiculed.
Many adults have also found that their OCD had onset in their childhood.
Causes Of Childhood OCD
While the exact cause of OCD is still being researched, there are a few causes that may trigger OCD in children.
Lack of the Serotonin, a chemical neurotransmitter in the brain that aids cells in the brain to communicate with each other. This may also be genetic as it is found that children whose parents have lower levels of Serotonin, also tend to have insufficient Serotonin.
Infections like Streptococcal Infections like strep throat or scarlet fever may cause OCD in children which are referred to as Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated (PANDAS)
Abnormalities in the brain, especially in the orbital cortex, the part of the brain that is responsible for cognitive abilities and decision making, are found in brain scans of some children with OCD. This has led to believe that it may also be a cause of OCD.
It is also found that children suffering from depression may be prone to OCD or develop symptoms.
Environmental factors that cause intense anxiety may cause the child to develop compulsive habits that can be categorised under OCD.
OCD symptoms
Most symptoms of OCD in children are quite pronounced. However, there are chances that they may be missed or misunderstood. Most children engage in compulsive actions or rituals that are a result of their obsessions or irrational fears. Some of the symptoms that you can look out for include:
Intense fear of germs, dirt or diseases, causing them to take extreme precautions and wash hands often.
Insisting on wearing gloves or full sleeved clothes to prevent exposure to germs.
Cleaning a specific place or object multiple times.
Repeated cross-checking of things caused by excessive doubt – example: checking if the door is locked or the books are packed multiple times.
The habit of repeating a particular word or phrase several times.
Obsession with organising things in a precise symmetrical manner.
Adherence to a strict routine every single day.
Excessive belief in lucky and unlucky numbers and counting steps or moves each time to ensure a lucky number.
Doing things over and over again seeking perfection.
Sudden, consistent impulses or violent urges to act or do certain things.
Repeating words to themselves several times.
Repeating the same questions over and over.
Repeating words spoken by others to them.
Irrational fear of a loved one getting hurt.
Hoarding certain items.
Diagnosis
There is no specific lab test for the diagnosis of OCD. However, you can go a qualified mental health professional like a child psychologist or a psychiatrist, if you notice symptoms of OCD in your child. Before seeking help from a child psychologist, you may need to keep track of all the symptoms and their frequency to accurate details to the doctor.
The child psychologist will interview both you and your child or will ask you to fill out a questionnaire. Your child’s OCD test will include several questions about the symptoms and their severity to determine the seriousness of the condition. Your child will be diagnosed with a disorder only in the instance that the OCD is affecting his or her daily life in a significant manner.
Some child psychologists may also physical examination or a lab test to rule out any chances of other medical conditions. Early detection of OCD can help you seek the right treatment for your child.
Treatment for OCD in Kids
While there is no cure for OCD, effective treatment and be administered to reduce or even alleviate the symptoms, if detected early. Children with mild cases of OCD are treated with regular therapy and medications are prescribed to children with severe symptoms. A combination of both may also be used depending on the age of the child, the condition, the symptoms and its severity, and tolerance for medications.
The treatments can be classified under:
1. Psychotherapeutic
A cognitive behavioural therapy called the exposure and response therapy is used to identify the core cause of the obsession. This treatment is found to be quite effective in children and help modify their compulsions. The therapists may also pose minor restrictions like the number of times the child is allowed to repeat the action in a day, to enable him or her to eventually and gradually, eliminate the excessive ritual.
However, therapy is a long process and may be hard for little children who haven’t yet been able to understand that their obsessions may be irrational.
2. Pharmacological
In instances where therapy isn’t an option or isn’t viable, medications like Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SRRIs are prescribed. These selectively target the neurotransmitters in the brain and also act as anti-depressants, reducing anxiety. This can make the child more receptive to therapy.
In case the OCD is triggered due to streptococcal infection, then the antibiotics may also be prescribed to the child.
Other Disorders That Can Co-Exist With OCD
Most children are found to have another co-existing condition along with OCD. Some mental health disorders are often found in individuals and children with OCD, which include:
Anxiety disorders
Bipolar disorder
Depression
Autism Spectrum Disorders or ASD
ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder)
Eating disorders
Tics or Tourettes syndrome
Body Dysmorphic Disorder or obsession with a real or imaginary flaw in the body
Hoarding Disorder
Trichotillomania or obsessive hair pulling disorder
Excoriation or extreme skin picking disorder
Some of these disorders may appear as symptoms of OCD in the child and usually fall under the category of OCD related disorders.
Managing OCD During School Hours
Discussing your child’s conditions with the teachers at school is a choice that is yours to make. However, there are benefits to keeping the teachers and the school informed. The chances are that OCD may cause your child to have social, academic or emotional difficulties, which the teacher may be able to pay a little extra heed to when informed.
Also, since OCD has visible and evident symptoms, the teachers at school may already be aware of the condition as most schools train the teachers to cater towards children with behavioural disorders. You may discuss with the teachers to understand the extent of their knowledge about the disorder and take an active part in bringing them up to date on how to help a child with OCD. Books, videos, and websites that discuss the condition can be shared with the teachers as well.
Dealing With OCD In Teens
Teens with OCD are often found to have aggravated behavioural issues that are beyond control. It is important for you to take an active interest in helping your teen face OCD and get them to take part in therapy to help relieve the mental and emotional distress that OCD is causing them. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind:
Do not criticise or complain about their symptoms of OCD. It is a disorder that they have no control over.
Learn everything that you can about OCD and keep yourself informed.
Talk to your teen and help them come up with methods to handle stress and relax. For example, you may take yoga or other classes with your teen.
Ensure that you take him or her to a therapist for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.
Always be present and let your teen know that you can be approached for help.
Discuss with the therapists to chalk out ways to accommodate your teen’s compulsions healthily.
Seek help from your family and friends to ensure that everyone is on the same page to help your child overcome the disorder.
Sign up the family for family therapy if possible to help everyone understand the condition and contribute to recovery better.
Try your best not to lose patience and stay calm even when frustrated to avoid setting your child off. Your teen needs to know that you can be relied on at all times.
If you come across situations that you are unsure about, do seek immediate help from your teen’s therapist or any other mental health professional.
Always support your child and take everything one step at a time and do not rush him or her for any reason.
Ensure that your child takes any prescribed medications regularly.
OCD, even with the right attention and treatment, can take very long before visible changes are seen, and symptoms are alleviated. Remember to choose the course of treatment that suits your child well and to which your child responds to best. It is imperative that you take an active part in helping your child deal with OCD and support and guide him every step of the way.
Also Read: Effective Ways to Deal with Stubborn Child Read more
Suggested for you
Ishq-e-Mahboob - Beginning of the Love between Mother and Son
Let me tell you all a secret today. I am "Ishqe-Mehboob" to my son Rayyan. A 4-year-old boy. One day he saw our wedding photo and felt jealous of his dad. Standing in a corner with watery eyes, he asked me "Mamma where was I in your shadi?". I was like, my baby, Mamma can’t marry you, I can only love u. He replied, but I love u sabse zyada; even more than Abba". The bond which a mother shares with her son teaches him a lot. This love is their insecurity so we, mothers, should take advantage of this and mould them into good human beings. Teach them how to love and how to be loved. Maintain a transparent relationship with them.
I have developed a strong relationship with my son. I show him nakhre tantrums n all. Kabi ruthna kabi manana. My son is very aggressive and stubborn because of being the first and only grandchild of the house. So I face a lot of his tantrums too. When I have to make him do anything or wanna teach him manners or class, I make upset faces, emotionally blackmail him, ki if you're not listening to me I will cry, I will be upset I won’t talk to you, you don’t love me n all. And he can’t see me like this; just in a minute, he follows my instructions. So dear mommies, try to develop this nok-jhok relation with your son. It really works.
One day we went for shopping and he was like "game parlour jana hai" Zid pe ad gaya. And started shouting. This was the first misbehaviour he did in front of everyone. And I just walked away, stood in a corner watching him and at last, he came following me. So at the same time, be a little strict but never insult him publicly. They can’t bear that especially boys, you know "ego hurts". So after coming back home, I discussed that awkward suitation and made him realise that he has insulted me in public. What everyone will say now "How’s ur momma, what has she taught you" and from that day he is like a good baby to me. Now he can’t afford anyone to say bad about his mamma?. Dear mommies, your children are your jewels; wear them always with care and they will always add beauty to your life.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
Suggested for you
These 7 Breakfast Foods Are The Secret To Mommy Karisma Kapoor's Fitness!
Karisma Kapoor might have turned 43, but she sure doesn't look the part! Find out the breakfast diet Karisma follows to keep her fit and fabulous!
Karisma Kapoor, Bollywood superstar of the 90's and mommy to little Samaira and Kiaan is an inspiration to many mommies out there for not only her beauty and grace but also for her fitness levels!
The yummy mummy recently celebrated her 43rd birthday, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a person who'd say she looks her age and we have the proof:
So what's her secret? Well, it seems like she swears by one major thing that keeps her looking fit and fabulous at 43 – aHealthy Breakfast!And her breakfasts are not only healthy, they look yummy too( well, atleast according to her Instagram)! Find out what breakfast foods are the secret to her fitness and get some inspiration for your next attempt at weight loss...
Healthy & Light Breakfast Foods That Are Perfect For Weight Loss
1. The Classic Eggs and Toast
The classic breakfast combo that most people swear by, eggs and toast are a healthy option too! Just switch out the white bread for multi-grain bread like Karisma for a healthier meal
2. Juicy Berry Combos
Berries are popular antioxidants that ward off certain health conditions and protect your skin and hair! Rich in fiber and liquid content, berries keep you feeling full and help control those unhealthy food cravings!
3. Milk Made Healthy!
Milk in itself is a whole meal with its various benefits but it can be boring and the fat in the milk sure doesn't help your weight loss cause! Take a cue from Karisma and switch to healthier alternatives like almond milk. Using Chia seeds, fresh fruits and dry fruits for some flavour will keep it tasty and healthy too!
4. Turkey Bacon
Pork Bacon has quite a few lovers around the world but if you are one of those, switching to Turkey Bacon maybe a healthier option! An occasional Turkey Bacon for breakfast like Karisma will keep you satiated when those crispy bacon cravings kick in!
5. Colourful Fruit Portions
Take a page from Karisma's book and stick to fruits like grapefruit and watermelon for your first meal of the day. Fruits are healthy alternatives for otherwise oily or heavy breakfasts that will keep you energetic through the day
6. The Irresistible Coffee
There are speculations that coffee helps in suppressing your appetite and keep you full. However, these are not confirmed but Karisma is a coffee lover so it might be helpful afterall! Coffee doesn't have any negative effects on weight loss either way – just remember to keep it sugar-free!
7. The Occasional Indulgence
We've saved the best for the last. From the looks of it Karisma might be extremely disciplined about her healthy breakfast regime, but she doesn't shy away from the occasional indulgence either! Be it waffles or crossiants, she goes all out when she does go for that little bit of indulgence!
Well, that was just her breakfast! Surely there is more to this B-town bombshell's "wow" body. Watch her talk candidly about her daily diet in the video below.
And the secret's out! It's time to get back on your weight loss mission with full-force and get as healthy as the fabulous Karisma Kapoor herself! All the best! Read more
Suggested for you
Mommy Kajol Reveals The 6 Things She Always Makes Her Kids Do - and It's Really Amazing!
Let's admit it – we are all fascinated with the life of other moms like us. All of us wonder at least once, what is that mom like? Does she have help with her chores? How does she bring up her kids? Does she also face disappointments and challenges? When it comes to Bollywood stars and celebrities, we often assume that they are a world apart and that their parenting is also very different. Well, turns out – Mommy Kajol recently gave us a peek into her parenting style, and rest assured – she's as real as any one of us! In her recent interviews, Kajol, who is generally a very private person, opened up about her children – older daughter Nysa and younger son Yug. She revealed some of the things she ensures her children do every single day - and these habits are truly worth picking up for our kids too!
Kajol's Take on Healthy Habits for Kids
1. She Teaches Her Kids Healthy - But Flexible - Eating Habits
As with any ordinary mom, Kajol too is constantly worried about getting her kids to eat healthy. However, she does not believe in being unrelenting about it. Said Kajol, “My husband Ajay and I don’t have any hard-and-fast rules for our children. Through the week, we eat regular food and then, over the weekend, we order whatever we want and have our cheat days.”
Lesson to Learn: When it comes to food, being strict is neither the only way nor the best, to develop good and healthy eating habits. As parents, we need to be realistic in our approach... after all, children need a break too.
2. Her Kids Are Free to Express Individual Tastes
While Kajol says she is not a discriminating parent and has brought up both daughter Nysa and son Yug, they are both growing up with very individualistic tastes and preferences. When it comes to food, both of them are very different from each other. “For Yug, the food has to smell good and taste good whereas for Nysa, it’s about the presentation; the food has to look good,” Kajol revealed. "As far as my personality is concerned my daughter is temperamentally a lot like my husband but in some ways she is also like me."
Lesson to Learn: All your children are going to be different – what worked for one may not work for other! Let's realise this, and adapt accordingly!
3. She is Very Strict About Regular Hand-Washing
Kajol very passionately believes in regular hand-washing as the only way to keep kids away from diseases and infections such as diarrhoea and pneumonia. She has been actively supporting this cause as well. "We have been promoting this since a year. If through this programme I can save the life of at least one child I think it would be fabulous. The aim is to promote hygiene as it helps in preventing other diseases."
In fact, sometimes Kajol can get so strict that she gets scolded about it by her daughter! But then, that is hardly anything new for us mothers - we have to keep at it for the well being of our kids. "I am very strict and my daughter keeps telling me you are too hard on me, and I keep telling her I have to be hard because if I am not hard, you will not learn the lessons that I want you to learn. I think it is really important to be that way. It is essential to teach good habits."
Lesson to Learn: Goes without saying, this is a very important habit that our kids need to learn. It is the only way to keep them disease-free and healthy. Make sure the kids at least wash their hands before and after eating, after using the toilet, and after returning from the playground.
4. It's a Strict No to Aerated Drinks
Kajol revealed that she, Ajay and her children, refrain from consuming any kind of aerated drinks. It is very important that parents themselves actually adopt the good habits that they want their children to pick up. We all know children learn from what they see, and eating habits also develop in the same way. This is why Kajol always strive to set a good example for their children. After all, good parenting is about educating children about good and bad, and that is what Kajol does too, especially with respect to making choices about food.
Lesson to Learn: Children learn from example. It is important we follow ourselves what we ask our children to do!
5. She Has Taught Her Kids The Importance of Love
When it comes to parenting, Kajol's style is pretty sorted, her funda's pretty clear: she is the stricter parent, and hubby Ajay is the more lenient one. But together, the couple plays 'good cop, bad cop' to their children. They are definitely doing something right, for Kajol explained how their children both look after her in their own way. “My son hugs me every night and sleeps, and my daughter keeps an eye on me and gives me the space that I need at times”, she said in the interview. Love is in the little everyday things, is it not?
Lesson to Learn: Good parenting raises responsible children. Your children will also look out for you – if you look out for them!
[caption id="attachment_166936" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Source: https://www.masala.com/[/caption]
6. She Encourages Honesty - Yes, Even About Tiffin Boxes!
In their growing up days, the lives of our kids are full of little white lies. About how they got their shirt dirty, how there actually was no homework assigned...how they had misplaced their tiffin box and hence couldn't finish it. As parents, we need to accept this as a part of growing up but also make it a point to instil the importance of honesty. Kajol tells us that her children are pretty honest with her. When they don’t finish their tiffin boxes that have been packed with home cooked food, they confess. She says, “I don’t think there is any mother who doesn’t run behind their kids about food and stuff like that. But yes, not to that extent now. As far as the struggle to eating healthy goes, it is lifelong. I’m still struggling to not eat a pizza today.”
Lesson to Learn: Making children develop good habits, including eating healthy or cherishing little things at home over processed, more attractive stuff, is a constant battle. But as moms, we have it in us to fight it and teach our kids to be honest and straightforward while at it.
On Life as an Actor and Mother
When Kajol was asked about her career and what she would have liked to be, if not an actor, Kajol gave us a very important life lesson through her answer. Speaking about her work, she said, “The most important thing was that it started as fun and it’s still fun. I don’t consider it work.”
One would imagine that being an actress and having the opportunity to meet so many great people must have opened the doors wide for Kajol to choose a role model. But Kajol said that her dream role would in fact be playing her grandmother, or her mother for that matter. “Both of them have had amazing lives”, she said. No doubt, mother Tanuja and grandmother Shobhna have been very successful Indian actresses, but there is definitely a personal connection here too. The fact that they are her mother and grandmother adds to the reason of why Kajol thinks so highly of them. This is something all of us have experienced as mothers and as women - even ordinary people can teach you extraordinary things – if only you are willing to learn.
How Kajol Feels About Being a Mom
You might be surprised how similar Kajol's life is to our lives, when it comes to being a mother. While she is still pursuing a full-fledged acting career and going great guns with several ventures, motherhood has come to affect and change her life in many ways... just like it affects ours. Kajol's definition of fitness is, “Being able to pick up my kids, and run around”. The last thing she does before going to bed is hugging her son, and the first thing she does in the morning after waking up is picking him up!" She couldn't have put it better - motherhood affects all aspects of your life! Motherhood will change you; it will affect your routine deeper than you think. But it will still be a beautiful transformation.
As a parting thought, we leave you with Kajol's life mantra: “Handle each day as it comes and tomorrow will be taken care of tomorrow.” No doubt she looks like a million bucks... she has nailed her game as the coolest, most chilled out mommy on the block! Read more
Suggested for you
Vandana Sharma has added a new answer
Expecting Father due this month
2 hours ago
Q. I am 36 week pregnant, from last 3-4 weeks my weight is stable not increasing. I went for a regular checkup and doctor said things are fine. Do I need to worry about weight?
Vandana Sharma
Nutritionist
1 hour ago
A. Hello mom.please do not stress much over it last trimester is the time of rapid weight gain eat healthy , go for walks z be hydrated , take rest as well
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. Still having Loose stool once a day but with foul smell but without fever/vomit . 3days passed since she completed her antibiotic dosage.
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. you will have to give ors for every episode of loose motion. you you cannot give heavy diet like milk to the child for few days as well as you cannot give sugar based food. you cannot give packet based foods as well as biscuit maida. kindly give curd buttermilk apple banana poha upma daliya. you can also give any recipe made from rice dal as well as sabudanxa khichdi. you cannot give outside juice as well as glucon d to the child. please meet your doctor because if it is viral or bacterial diarrhea will be confirmed only on examination.
give sachet econorm twice daily for 3days.
meet your doctor if it is not improving x
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. Birth weight:2.8kgs
At end of 4 months : 5.7kg
At end of 5.5 months : 6.1kg
Is it adequate?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. Yes it is because your child is almost having more than double the birth fade by completing the age of 5.5 months like you’re mentioning so it’s going good in total the weight of the child currently as per the age is perfectly good so there is nothing nothing for you to be worried in this
POOJA KOTHARI has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
45 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert
will women get stomach ache at 40th day of implantation.
which means after 10 days of her missed period
POOJA KOTHARI
Mom of a 7 yr 1 m old boy
34 mins ago
A. The duration of implantation cramping varies from person to person but doesn't last longer than a few days. Some people experience a few minor twinges over a few hours or the course of a day. On the other end of the spectrum, some experience intermittent cramping that comes and goes over one to three days.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
42 mins ago
Q. If a diabetic mother is pregnent chance of baby having diabetes?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
40 mins ago
A. No it is a very common thing with women to be seen that they are diabetic or they have thyroid during the time of pregnancy but that does not mean your child is also going to have the same problem as these things are not contagious you are not going to pass it on to your child during pregnancy so don’t worry about it
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
33 mins ago
Q. New born baby is not poop more than 1 week? How to recover that
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
31 mins ago
A. Stool pattern of small children changes from time to time.
It can be more than 7 times per day also and sometimes the child will not pass stool for 10 days also.
The most important thing is the consistency of the stool and if it is Semi solid to solid or semi liquid then there is no need to worry about the frequency axs well as colour as well as the smell of the stool
Also straining and crying while passing urine and stool is very normal.
the crying of the child is due to colic pain and not due to constipationx
Check out this new Memory
SUPRIYA SHAHI
Guardian of a 2 m old boy
New Memory
#grandphoto
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Moushumi Sharma
Mom of a 8 m old girl
New Memory
#grandphoto
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
tanushree pramanik
Mom of a 3 yr 9 m old girl
New Milestone
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Vamika Prashant Gupta
Mom of a 5 m old girl
New Memory
#grandphoto
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Shaik Sanazaid
Guardian of a 7 m old boy
1 min ago
#grandphoto
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive