Connie Ma (research intern)
Where Motions Flow Research
August 31, 2024
Intro
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or OCD is a mental health disorder where people who have it would be very picky and obsessed with the way something is. These are called compulsions. They would obsess and stress over the way something is placed and where it is placed. These obsessions would be “settled” by something called a ritual according to Kids Health. An example of these obsessions would be excessive checking something, excessively washing hands to get rid of germs, etc. This causes a terrible cycle of never-ending compulsions and obsessions. However, what are the symptoms of OCD?
Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of OCD include but are not limited to:
● Anxiety and stress
● Excessive worrying about grades or any other issue
● Fear of germs or contamination
● Repulsive thoughts of bad things happening, like being in a car crash, having to do something one way in order to soothe their obsessive thoughts, and triple checking that you have brought your keys or something else
● Constantly repeating one word or phrase to soothe the OCD desires.
● Excessive washing, cleaning, checking, reordering, organizing things a certain way and being upset if it isn’t in that way
Teens with OCD
OCD can affect teens in many negative ways. Since they are obsessed with the way something is, it might upset them and distract them from learning properly or having fun when spending time with their friends or family. It would also ruin experiences that are meant to be fun. For example, in an amusement park, someone with OCD might not want to get on the rides as they are afraid of germs and contamination. OCD can also affect teens as it can ruin their sleep according to Mclean Hospital. It can cause a person with OCD to spend hours trying to get something the right way, have constant unwanted thoughts, make manifestations for things to go well, or wash their hands correctly until it is red and cracked. It can also cause you to not have the mentality to be able to drive, work, or do something that others can do easily. Sometimes they may also experience needing constant reassurance from the people around them. This can really affect a teen’s life as it can cause them to lack independence and sometimes it might ruin their self-esteem as they realize that they aren’t like other kids. In other words, having untreated OCD can really ruin a teenager’s basic daily interactions. However, therapy and exposure to your fears can really help relieve the OCD desires and the bad thoughts that come with it.
Treatment
Usually OCD can be treated with CBT or cognitive behavior therapy or just regular talking therapy and exposure to the fears. Sometimes, medical professionals might even prescribe medication for OCD. Treatment time can depend on the severity of one’s case. If the OCD symptoms are very severe, they may need treatment for a year compared to one’s mild case of OCD in which treatment would be shorter. You can manage your OCD by slowly practicing to not obsess over a symptom of OCD. For example, you can expose yourself more to germs and practice knowing that germs will not kill you. With this experience, you can slowly get over your fears. Another method for managing your OCD is taking deep breaths as you sense the OCD thought coming and refrain from indulging in the symptom. Remember that it is okay to relapse on it and it takes time to get better.
References
1. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) (for teens). (n.d.). (Retrieved August 31th, 2024) https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/ocd.html#:~:text=Someone%20with%20OCD%20will%20spend,t he%20thoughts%20hard%20to%20ignore
2. Everything you need to know about OCD in kids and teens. (2024, June 30). McLaren Hospital. (Retrieved August 31th, 2024) https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/ocd-kids-teens
3. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). (23 C.E., December 31). Mayo Clinic. (Retrieved August 31, 2024) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20354432
4. Dobrinsky, S., PhD. (2023, May 19). OCD signs and treatment for teens. Anxiety Institute. (Retrieved September 1, 2024) https://anxietyinstitute.com/ocd-signs-and-treatment-for-teens/
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