About OCD

About OCD

An estimated 1% of children in the United States experience OCD, which is characterized by a pattern of rituals and obsessive thinking that generally lasts more than an hour each day and interferes with daily activities. OCD is more prevalent than many other childhood disorders or illnesses, but kids often keep the symptoms hidden from their families, friends, and teachers because they're embarrassed by them.

Early Intervention goes a long way

OCD in kids is usually diagnosed between the ages of 7 and 12. Since these are the years when kids naturally feel concerned about fitting in with their friends, the discomfort and stress brought on by OCD can make them feel scared, out of control and alone. With OCD, the brain gets stuck on a particular thought or urge and just can't let go. Obsessions are thoughts, images, or impulses that occur over and over again and feel out of your control. The child does not want to have these ideas. Children with OCD try to make their obsessions go away by performing compulsions. Compulsions are acts the person performs over and over again, often according to certain 'rules'.

Kathleen's favorite distraction from her OCD 'habits' are writing and art. Her mother directed her energies into writing a book and Kathleen has learned how to significantly 'Boss Back' her OCD thoughts. Kathleen created her 'BossBaxTM' friends in The ABC's of OCD to enhance her alphabet story with more energy and fun!