Strong rituals in children can indicate OCD

DGKJP Congress 2011: developmental disorders between science and clinical practice at the center

Superstitious behavior, magical thinking and rituals are not uncommon during the development of children. "Most relate those behaviors everyday situations, such as going to bed, eating or dressing. When children but keep repeating the same actions as the controlling of windows and doors or counting certain items, and these actions find unpleasant, then this indicates a compulsive disorder. Was pointed the German Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy (DGKJP) in anticipation of the 32. Annual Meeting that. The scientific and medical professional society of Wednesday, 2 until Saturday, 5. March 2011, the Congress Center (CCE) Essen-West held and the organizers received by Congress President Professor Dr. med. Johannes Hebebrand, food, again about 1.500 participants. The focus of the meeting among others was also the subject of obsessive-compulsive disorder between science and clinical practice.

Children and adolescents with OCD often suffer from obsessive-compulsive thoughts. Those affected fear, for example, that they will soil themselves or that something will happen to their parents or siblings. Children and young people try to neutralize these fears by compulsively repeating rituals. If the child tries to refrain from the action or if it is prevented from doing so, it develops anxiety," explains the DGKJP. Children with OCD often try to involve their families in the rituals. This can also lead to aggression towards parents and siblings.

Since obsessive-compulsive disorder can persist into adulthood if left untreated, it is important to start therapy as early as possible. Parents should therefore not hesitate to consult a child and adolescent psychiatrist if they notice that their child is repeating, organizing or controlling," advises the DGKJP. Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be effectively treated with medication and psychotherapy. For example, in behavior therapy, an affected child is confronted with situations that trigger fears in him. As the child learns not to give in to impulse, he learns that unhappiness will not happen if he resists compulsion. It is estimated that around 2% of all children and adolescents are affected by obsessive-compulsive disorder. The average age at the onset of the disease is 10 to 13 years.

Source: Essen [ DGKJP ]