What are the definitions of obsession and compulsion?
Although in various Turkish sources, obsession is defined as "obsession" and compulsion is defined as "compulsion", most sources now use the terms obsession and compulsion. To define it, obsessions are repetitive thoughts that occur beyond the person's control. When they occur, they cause discomfort in people. In order to eliminate this feeling of discomfort, some behaviors called compulsions are exhibited. Patients often know that such thoughts and accompanying behaviors are irrational and complain that they cannot get rid of them.
What is the definition of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
OCD It is a serious psychiatric disease with a chronic course that is accompanied by various obsessions and compulsions and negatively affects the person's daily life due to this thought-behavior duo. People generally do not exceed various limits during many daily activities due to the behaviors they exhibit to suppress the feeling of distress caused by these thoughts and certain situations they avoid in order to prevent the thoughts from recurring, which is called ritual. For example, a patient who constantly washes his hands due to pollution obsessions may not want to touch certain objects with the thought of not getting his hands dirty. This leads to constantly avoiding certain activities during the day and doing planned tasks in the same way. The disease follows a fluctuating course, mostly starting between the ages of 15-40.
Is OCD seen in children and adolescents?
Yes, it is. Today, it has been understood that OCD occurs with similar symptoms in childhood and adulthood, and that nearly half of the cases begin in the child-adolescent period.
Is OCD a common disease in children and adolescents?
It is seen relatively frequently. Studies show that the rate is 1-3%. A sample conducted in Turkey states that it is seen in one in 200 children. While it is more common in boys during childhood, it is seen equally in girls and boys during adolescence.
It is a normal condition that is considered a part of development. Are there any common obsessions and ritual behaviors?
Yes, some ritual behaviors can be seen as a part of development. These are not signs of disease. I tried to summarize the normally seen ceremonial behaviors and the ages at which they occur in the table below. These rituals are generally part of daily life and do not affect the child's quality of life. They constitute an insignificant part of their lives. They usually do not cause any trouble. On the contrary, they increase their ability to cope with worry and anxiety.
When do obsessions and rituals that are considered normal begin to become diseases?
First of all, I need to point out this. These behaviors are often not a sign of disease. However, if the obsessions and compulsions become difficult for the child's daily life, if they last for more than 2 weeks, and if the child feels distressed by this situation even if he accepts that these are ridiculous thoughts, this may suggest OCD and a child and adolescent psychiatrist should be consulted.
What are the causes of OCD?
Current studies show that OCD is now a brain disease. Especially orbitofrontal cortex, cingulate cortex and nuc. Deteriorations in brain regions such as the caudatus play an important role in the development of this disease. Additionally, disorders in a brain chemical called serotonin have been observed in studies. Observation of infection with a microbe called streptococcus just before the onset of the disease in some OCD patients suggests that this microbe may be effective in the development of the disease. However, the disease that begins after such infections is generally very rare.
Does OCD develop as a result of parental attitudes?
No, studies show that family attitudes and behaviors and school problems are the cause. It is stated that environmental and environmental factors are not factors in the development of the disease.
What psychiatric diseases is OCD associated with?
Especially in children and adolescents, OCD is observed together with a number of psychiatric conditions. The most common association is Tic Disorder. Tics are sudden jerky muscle movements. In some cases, it may also occur as strange sounds. . Brain imaging studies show that tics and obsessions originate from the same brain regions. In addition, OCD, which develops as a result of the infectious events I mentioned above, is often accompanied by tics. The second accompanying condition is Attention deficit. Attention problems may be a result of obsessions or they may be seen as a separate entity. Depression is often seen together with OCD, especially in adolescents.
How is OCD treated?
There are two basic methods in the treatment of OCD. Medication and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The most appropriate is to use both methods together. While therapy alone is sufficient in some mild cases, drug therapy is absolutely necessary in most cases. The main weapons in drug treatments are antidepressants. However, it should be used in higher doses and for a longer period of time than the doses used for depression. It is usually necessary to continue treatment for two years in the first attack. Response to drug treatment is generally seen within 8-12 weeks. There are many OCD medications that are approved for children and adolescents and that we can use safely. These drugs are absolutely not addictive. Side effects are generally mild. If you notice any unexpected effects during treatment, be sure to consult your physician.
How should families of children and adolescents with OCD treat their children?
First of all, it is very important for our families to be informed about this disease. It is important to keep in mind that your child, who constantly washes his hands or asks strange questions, actually does not want to do these behaviors, and our child is the one who suffers the most from this situation. Therefore, accusatory attitudes should never be taken. On the contrary, long persuasive speeches against obsessions do nothing more than confuse the child and make him feel bad about the disease. Getting angry, shouting, and exhibiting punitive attitudes will worsen the course of the disease and pave the way for many diseases such as depression. The most important actions to take are to increase communication within the family, direct them to social or sports activities, and not keep the symptoms of the disease on the agenda. Reacting to OCD as if it were the flu or a chronic physical illness and helping our child overcome this disease together. Giving assurance about our future will comfort him and motivate him towards treatment.
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