OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
Education for children with special education needs and disabilities is written elsewhere on this website. Please click the link below to access it.
Please also note that we have given you an overview on this condition in a question and answer format. We have not discussed the types of treatment available for this condition. We will leave that for a professional to discuss with you when a special educational needs plan or learning/educational/healthcare plan is being written for your child once they have been diagnosed.
WHAT IS OCD?
OCD is short for obsessive compulsive disorder. It is a mental health condition. In children consistent unwanted thoughts called obsessions can make them behave in a certain way or perform a certain action. This behaviour because of these thoughts are called compulsions. These behaviours can sometimes be repetitive.
Compulsions are responses to obsessions.
These obsessions can also upset your child and cause them distress. Children with OCD are compelled to act on their unwanted obsessive thoughts so that they can relieve these obsessive thoughts.
Children with OCD are regarded as children with special educational needs.
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE FOR OVERVIEW – OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER
WHAT SYMPTOMS DOES A CHILD WITH OCD DISPLAY?
OCD is a disorder which can range from being mild to severe. Although many children with OCD share symptoms that come with the condition however, each child will experience these symptoms in different ways. They will have different strengths and limitations of these symptoms.
The main symptoms a child with OCD will show are:
- This child may have a persistent thought to do something
- These persistent thoughts can cause a child anxiety.
- They have a strong urge to do a particular action.
- They worry about the consequences if they do not do something.
- They have unwanted thoughts that make them behave a certain way.
- They may do a certain action such as handwashing repeatedly again and again over a period of time..
- They may check something again and again
- They can hoard objects
- They can be extremely obsessive about germs.
- They may feel they have to follow instructions perfectly otherwise they will continue to obsess about it.
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE FOR SYMPTOMS – OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER
ARE CHILDREN WHO HAVE OCD BORN WITH IT?
There is no clear answer to this question. However:
- Genetics could play a part in a child developing OCD
- Environmental factors contribute to a child developing OCD
- Brain abnormalities and injuries can also contribute to a child developing OCD
- Childhood abuse can raise the chance of developing OCD
- Chronic neglect can raise the chance of developing OCD
- Severe bullying can push a child to develop OCD
- Trauma can contribute to a child developing OCD
- Certain infections can result in a child getting OCD
WHEN DO MOST CHILDREN FIRST DISPLAY THE SIGNS OF OCD?
Children can display the signs of OCD as early as preschool. However most cases occur between the age of 10 years and 12 years or between the ages of 18 years and 25 years.
CAN ADD GO AWAY, BE CURED OR PREVENTED?
No OCD does not go away, nor can it be cured or prevented. However, with the right help, therapy, medication, guidance and treatment it can be managed.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF OCD?
OCD is not formally separated into types however, it is generally informally accepted that OCD can be separated into types/subgroups. We have detailed 5 common types of OCD below but there are more:
1. Symmetry, organisation and perfectionism OCD – This type of OCD is when an individual is obsessive that things must be in the right place, labels must be symmetrical, or wall hangings must be level for example. In other words everything must be symmetrical, perfect and organised.
2. Cleaning and contamination ICD – This type of OCD is when an individual is obsessive about the spread of germs through proximity and touch and how things, actions, thoughts and words can contaminate individuals and things making them unclean. An OCD individual will wipe surfaces and wash hands repeatedly.
3. Intrusive violent and sexual thoughts OCD – This type of OCD is when suggestive, repulsive and distressing thoughts will appear in an individual’s head that involve hurting someone and causing harm.
4. Checking OCD – This type of OCD is when an individual checks something many times such as if a window is locked so that there is no harm and damage due to carelessness.
5. Hoarding OCD – This is the type of OCD where an individual has a persistent fear of throwing things away because they may need it or throwing it away may harm someone. They can also have a desire to purchase multiple copies of something, checking possessions repeatedly, not allowing others to touch possessions or throw away possessions in fear of contamination.
WHO DO YOUR CONTACT FOR HELP IF YOU FEEL YOUR CHILD HAS OCD?
Contact your GP immediately – Your GP will arrange for your child to be assessed for OCD. Your GP will then arrange for your child to have the correct support, medication, therapy and treatment to manage the condition. They will also inform you of any lifestyle changes you may need to make and refer you for further help if you need it.
Contact the school SEN department – The SEN department (special educational needs) at school will take your concerns seriously and help you. Please read the next section below.
IS OCD CONSIDERED A SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEED (SEN)?
A child suffering from OCD can be considered as one with special educational needs (SEN) if the issues the child is suffering from make education and learning much more difficult than other children of the same age.
Talk to the SEN department at your child’s school. There will be a special teacher there called a SENCO (special SEN coordinator) who looks after the welfare of all SEN children at the school and they will be able to advise you further.
WHERE CAN YOU AS A PARENT TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
You can contact NSPCC – If your child has OCD you can contact the NSPCC and speak to them about your concerns. If the child is in danger they will call the police.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR NSPCC – CONTACT US
You can contact FAMILY LIVES – Family lives was previously known as parentline. You can speak to them about your concerns that your child has OCD.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR FAMILY LIVES – CONTACT US
You can contact SUPPORTLINE – Supportline can provide confidential emotional support over the phone about your concerns. Their helpline number is 01708 765 200. You can also email them.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR SUPPORTLINE – CONTACT US
You can contact your local authority child services – You can call them directly or look on their website to see if there are any local support groups where you can get support.
LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE TO FIND YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY
You can contact other organisations –
LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE 16 – CONNECT WITH CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS THAT COULD HELP YOU.
WHERE CAN YOUR CHILD TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
Your child can contact CHILDLINE – If your child has OCD and they need to talk to someone, they can call childline.