Children can develop obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) just as easily as adults. In fact, obsessive compulsive disorder has been known to manifest in children as young as four or five. While obsessive compulsive disorder most commonly occurs in young adults, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of OCD, so you can tell whether your child may have it. If you think your child may have OCD, get a definite diagnosis from a doctor, then talk to her about obsessive compulsive disorder and what is means for her.
Instructions
1. Talk to your child in a cheerful, comforting environment, so the child doesn't feel overwhelmed or frightened. Sitting outside in a sunny place or in a room filled with the child's favorite toys are ideal locations.
2. Tell your child that she is not the only person in the world to suffer from OCD and that plenty of other children have it, too. Assure her that it does not make her crazy or weird or different in any way and that it is okay that she has this condition. Tell her having OCD is just part of who she is, like having blue eyes or brown hair.
3. Let your child know that the choice to tell her friends about her condition is hers and hers alone. Whether her symptoms are obvious or not, she does not owe it to anyone to explain her actions. However, if she wishes to explain her condition to her friends, that is okay.
4. Tell your child that there are treatment options available, such as medication and cognitive therapy. Talk about the pros and cons of the different therapies with your child and discuss together which treatments she might pursue.
5. Prepare yourself before your conversation. Read up on OCD, its symptoms, treatments and prognosis, so that you are ready to answer any questions your child may have about the condition.
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