While many children may display obsessive behavior, there are signs that can help detect whether a child has obsessive thoughts and compulsive behavior. Recognizing obsessive-compulsive behaviors early on can help children manage the symptoms before they get out of hand.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder where people go through obsessions that are distressing and unwanted that take the form of recurrent thoughts and impulses. A person with OCD engages in repetitive rituals known as compulsions in an effort the relieve the distress created by the obsession.
Having obsessions and compulsions are not normal especially if they become distressing. "We define these obsessions and compulsions as a disorder when they cause the person significant distress and start to interfere with their ability to go about their daily activities," according to Dr. Rebecca Anderson, lecturer in clinical psychology at Curtin University.
OCD typically develops during adolescent but some children as young as four years old have been diagnosed with OCD, according to Essential Baby. Today, there are more than a million children in the United States who are suffering from OCD, according to Tamar Chansky, director of the Children's Center for OCD and Anxiety in Philadelphia.
While adults can easily detect that they have a problem, children generally do not have enough life experience and self-awareness to separate obsessive-compulsive thoughts and behaviors from the normal. More often, parents should be knowledgeable enough to detect it in their children early on.
Anderson explains that many children worry about being contaminated by germs or arranging their toys in a particular way. While these behaviors are quite normal and part of the learning process, a toddler with OCD can become anxious and distressed when they are unable to complete their ritualistic behavior.
Signs of obsession may include irrational fears, excessive concern over germs, or the need to have possessions arranged symmetrically. Signs of compulsions, on the other hand, include washing hands repeatedly, checking if the door is locked more than once, needing to have socks at the same height on each leg, counting steps while walking or repeating mindless tasks until "it feels right."
When your toddler is engaged in several of these activities over a period of weeks, this may indicate the presence of real OCD, according to Psych Central. Anderson cautions parents that early intervention is important before it stops children from relaxing and enjoying life.
