While OCD in toddlers is rare, it does happen in some cases.
A small percentage of children show symptoms around age 3.
The compulsions or rituals performed are typically an attempt to reduce this anxiety.
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OCD is said to be childhood-onset if obsessions and compulsions occur before puberty.
This, combined with limited and/or developing verbal ability, can make properdiagnosisdifficult.
A childs obsessions and compulsions often differ from those of adults.
Common obsessions among children with OCD include:
Compulsions are often (but not always) related to obsessions.
For example, if the child fears germs, they may be compelled to wash their hands repeatedly.
What Causes OCD in Preschoolers?
What triggers OCD in preschoolers and older children?
The childs immune system becomes confused as it fights the infection and attacks the brain’s basal ganglia.
The PANDAS form of OCD can require different treatment.
What Is Serotonin?
Serotonin (also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) is aneurotransmitterthat carries signals betweenneuronsthroughout the body.
It helps with mood regulation, memory, and other bodily functions.
The intestines, not the brain, produce most of the body’s serotonin supply.
This cycle of exposure and response prevention is repeated until the obsessions and/or compulsions no longer trouble the children.
Both adults and children with OCD frequently ask others to participate in their compulsions.
Family members often oblige to reduce their loved ones anxiety, especially when the person is a child.
For treatment to work, compulsions must stop, and family members must be aware of this.
Preschools and older children with OCD need parental support during their CBT treatment.
Evidence suggests that CBT is more successful when parents are involved.
Medications
Therapy is often effective, but it is not the only treatment option.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
OCD is a chronic condition, so childhood OCD rarely just goes away on its own.
However, symptoms may improve over time as a person ages and with appropriate treatment.
Learning effective coping skills can also help people cope with symptoms that may worsen during times of stress.
This can help you reduce your stress levels and follow through with at-home exposure exercises.
Other strategies it’s possible for you to try:
Takeaways
Never give up hope.
Although there’s no cure for OCD, many effective treatments are available.
If you think your child may have OCD, talk to your physician as soon as possible.
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doi:10.21037/tp.2019.10.02
Cedars Sinai.Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children.
2021;31(2):95-101.
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