Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children and Young People
Contents
Diagnosis and Treatment
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a serious mental health condition and can develop as early as childhood or adolescence. It manifests itself through recurring obsessive thoughts and/or compulsive behaviours, which those affected find distressing and which are often associated with intense inner tension.
Children and young people with obsessive-compulsive disorder are often aware that their thoughts or actions seem excessive or unreasonable. Nevertheless, they find it difficult to control them or refrain from them. These compulsions can have a significant impact on daily life, academic performance, social interactions and family life. An early specialist assessment can help to understand the symptoms and develop appropriate support measures.
Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children and Adolescents
At the Verus Clinic, we support children and young people with obsessive-compulsive disorder, as well as their families, using a personalised, professionally grounded treatment approach. The aim is to provide guidance, help them understand their symptoms and make it easier for them to manage their compulsions in everyday life.
Our approach is holistic in nature and takes into account both psychological and physical aspects. Treatment takes place in a structured, supportive environment that conveys a sense of security, transparency and reliability. Trust, respect and professional care form the basis of our therapeutic work.
The multi-disciplinary team at the Verus Clinic has a wealth of experience in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and adolescents, whilst taking into account the individual needs and circumstances of the young patients.
Therapeutic Approaches to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children and Adolescents
The treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder requires a nuanced, individually tailored approach. Therapeutic measures are adapted to the patient’s age, stage of development and the severity of their symptoms.
Possible treatment approaches include, amongst others:
- Behavioural therapy, in particular involving exposure and response prevention
- Systemic therapy involving the family
- Psychotherapeutic approaches based on depth psychology
- Psychoeducation for children, young people and parents
Where there is a medical indication, supplementary medication may be considered. This is always carried out following careful assessment and under the supervision of a specialist.
Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children and Young People
In children and adolescents, obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterised primarily by recurring obsessive thoughts and/or compulsive behaviours. These can become increasingly time-consuming over time, as they serve, in the short term, to reduce inner tension or anxiety.
Common symptoms may include:
- Severe inner tension or restlessness
- Severe anxiety
- Compulsive behaviours, e.g. compulsive washing, checking, cleaning, counting or organising
- Recurring, intrusive obsessive thoughts of varying intensity
Not every child displays all the symptoms. The severity and the individual level of distress can vary considerably.
Diagnosis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children and Adolescents
At the Verus Clinic, the diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder is made on the basis of a comprehensive medical history taken by experienced medical and psychotherapeutic staff. This involves assessing the nature, frequency and duration of the symptoms, as well as their impact on everyday life.
In addition, standardised questionnaires and diagnostic criteria may be used to distinguish obsessive-compulsive disorder from other mental health or developmental disorders. The aim of the diagnostic process is to enable a well-founded assessment and to lay the foundations for a personalised treatment and support programme.
Personal Advice
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Our treatment methods
How We Can Treat You and Help You
Diagnostic procedures at the Verus Clinic therefore include a detailed initial medical history, selected psychological tests and the latest neuropsychological assessment methods.
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Individual Psychotherapy
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