There are a significant number of children and adolescents with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) than is commonly recognised. This condition can be quite debilitation and certainly can interefere with academics and social life. The condition is treatable with cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) interventions.

CBT is a form of counseling/psychotherapy that is quite focused and directive. In CBT sessions the therapist questions the client about their beliefs and attitudes towards their symptoms. In the case of OCD a focus of treatment is often on the fact that most obsessive worries are irrational and have no foundation in reality. For example, a fear of contamination in school is not rational because most of us have good resistance to the types of bacteria found around us. CBT helps people understand that they can refute their irrational thoughts with logic and good scientific thinking.

There is also a behavioural component to CBT. Often a variety of thought stopping techniques are implemented. These techniques serve the purpose of stopping the worry cycle by interrupting it with some sort of activity. Distraction from worries is also used as a treatment. For children art activities can be quite useful; they can draw their worries and draw pictures of themselves defeating their worries.

There are a variety of other techniques, too many to mention. The purpose of this short blog is to make it clear that CBT is an effective treatment for OCD and that if the condition is recognised in its early stages it can be treated effectively. Corrective breating teachniques are often always a part of the treatment package. If CBT fails then medical intervention may be necessary as part of the overall treatment package.

OCD is treatable and people do not need to suffer endlessly with it.