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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Decent Essays

DIAGNOSIS
Considering the secrecy surrounding OCD symptoms, it is important for family members to pay attention to early signs of ritualistic behaviors becoming troublesome. When OCD is suspected, a comprehensive clinical evaluation – including detailed interviews with parents and, if possible teachers – is required in order to check the obsessions, sensory phenomenon and compulsions in the case. In younger children, OCD features might appear subtly during play activities or drawing. It is vital to differentiate between obsessive compulsive symptoms and normal childhood behavior, such as the normal practice or actions during playtime, food time or bedtime. In this context, the information about degree of distress, impairment and time consumed performing rituals should provide enough data to decide whether or not treatment is warranted. Moreover, it is also important to assess insight and the family’s perception of the symptoms, as well as how family members deal with the patient.
Similar to what happens in adults, a long time may elapse until the diagnosis is made and the actual treatment is initiated. Many researchers through their studies have concluded an average of 2.5 years from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis in the US (Geller et al, 2006) and even longer in Germany (Walitza et al, 2011). One of the major causes for this kind of is the secrecy. Patients and their parents tend to feel ashamed or guilty regarding their symptoms or behaviors and conceal them until they

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