Doctor Komarovsky on obsessive-compulsive disorder in children

OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, can be a difficult condition for parents and children to deal with. The early detection and treatment of this condition can significantly impact a child’s overall health and wellbeing.

Renowned pediatrician Dr. Komarovsky provides helpful guidance on identifying OCD in kids and providing support for them. His observations assist parents in recognizing the signs of compulsive behaviors and obsessive thoughts in children and in managing them with caution.

By raising awareness of this illness, Komarovsky highlights the value of prompt intervention and appropriate care, providing families with the resources they need to work through this problem together.

What is it?

In children, obsessive-compulsive disorder is a complex of psycho-emotional disorders brought on by emotional shock, extreme fear, fright, or stress. The syndrome shows up as a sequence of unmotivated movements that either become more complex or are of the same type.

Parents most frequently lament that their child has suddenly started to:

• bite nails and the skin around the nails;
• grind teeth;
• shake their head from side to side;
• sway the whole body for no apparent reason;
• wave or shake their arms;
• pinching your ears, hands, cheeks, chin, nose;
• biting your own lips;
• blinking and squinting for no reason;
• pulling out your own hair or constantly twirling it around your finger.

Although the syndrome may present with different symptoms, we can discuss the illness when a child repeatedly performs one movement or a sequence of movements, particularly when he starts to feel uncomfortable or anxious.

Numerous variables can set off the process leading to the development of obsessive-compulsive movement syndrome:

• severe stress;
• long stay in a psychologically unfavorable environment;
• total mistakes in education – indulgence or excessive strictness;
• attention deficit;
• changes in everyday life – moving, changing kindergartens, parents leaving and their long absence.

The child might not experience any inconvenience at all from any of these manifestations—that is, if he doesn’t hurt himself.

Notably, doctors diagnose obsessive-compulsive disorder as a disease. The disorder is assigned a unique number in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), where it is categorized as neurotic, stress-related, and somatoform. Nonetheless, physicians lacked and still lack a single diagnostic standard for this illness. Put differently, a child’s diagnosis will be made solely on the basis of the symptoms and complaints reported by the parents.

Additionally, there is no set protocol for managing obsessive-compulsive disorder; instead, treatment options vary depending on the individual neurologist. They may suggest sedative use and psychological consultation, or they may prescribe a variety of drugs, vitamins, and, in some cases, an expensive massage (from a massage therapist they know, of course).

If there is a specific cause for the child’s involuntary movements, there’s a good chance the syndrome will resolve on its own and not require treatment. All the child needs is some time to let go of his anxieties. It may also indicate more anxious conditions, though.

Dr. Komarovsky provides insightful information about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children, emphasizing how parents can support their children and identify early symptoms. He stresses that even though OCD can be difficult to manage, knowing its symptoms and getting treatment as soon as possible are essential. Dr. Komarovsky advocates for a kind approach that emphasizes useful techniques and expert advice to assist kids in managing and overcoming the illness.

What should parents do?

Evgeny Komarovsky claimed that neurosis of compulsive movements and states is an indication of maladaptive behavior. Because it is extremely difficult to determine whether something is a temporary psychological disorder or a persistent mental illness, it is necessary for parents to seek medical advice.

When insufficient symptoms emerge, Yevgeny Komarovsky counsels parents to consider carefully what came before: were there any disputes in the family or in the child’s group? Was the child ill? Did he take any medications concurrently? If so, do these medications or combinations have any adverse effects that manifest as central nervous system disorders?

There is always a reason and an explanation for temporary stress syndrome.

But there’s usually no known cause of a mental illness. If the child is still shaking his head side to side, frowning, blinking, squinting, trying to hide, running away, or shaking his hands nonstop for an hour in the morning, and nothing has changed—including the child not taking any medication, not having a fever, eating, and sleeping well—this is definitely cause to call a child neurologist and then a child psychiatrist.

Komarovsky claims that the issue is that parents are too ashamed to seek help from a professional, like a psychiatrist. This is a major misunderstanding. It is imperative that negative perceptions of physicians who assist in treating behavioral health issues are changed right away.

A son or daughter may experience neurological conditions that pose a risk to their health and well-being. If the child poses a risk of self-harm or has the ability to cause significant harm to himself through their movements, Komarovsky suggests that you get in touch with a professional to rule out any mental health issues and to receive advice on how to resolve the situation.

What should not be done?

It is best to ignore the child’s compulsive movements and to try to prevent them altogether. It is impossible to forbid him from doing them in theory because he performs them unconsciously (or nearly unconsciously), but enforcing prohibitions can exacerbate an emotional disorder. It is preferable to divert the youngster, ask him to do something, offer assistance, or go somewhere together.

When the child begins to make a series of incoherent movements, you cannot yell at him at this time, Komarovsky says. In order to prevent scaring the child further, the parents’ response should be appropriate and composed.

It is advisable to keep conversing with the baby in a calm, quiet voice, using short sentences, avoiding conflict, and never, ever leaving him by himself. Additionally, avoid staring the infant in the eyes.

Additionally, you cannot ignore the issue because the child needs to talk to someone about it. After all, he is also confused and afraid by these new "bad" habits. Confidential communication can sometimes be the key to solving an issue.

For parents and other caregivers, Dr. Komarovsky’s insights into obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children provide a useful viewpoint. His focus on comprehending the characteristics of OCD and how it affects a child’s day-to-day existence can help direct appropriate interventions and assistance.

It’s critical to identify the symptoms as soon as possible and seek medical attention. Dr. Komarovsky emphasizes that a child’s quality of life can be greatly enhanced and their ability to better manage their symptoms can be increased with an appropriate diagnosis and course of treatment.

In order to help their child learn to manage OCD, parents can be extremely important in creating a compassionate and understanding atmosphere for them. The guidance provided by Dr. Komarovsky emphasizes the value of a supportive approach in assisting kids in overcoming this difficult illness.

Video on the topic

Obsessive movements in children | "Doctor"s advice"

Nervous tics. Dr. Komarovsky"s journal. // English subs

Obsessive movements in a child: symptoms and causes. Obsessive-compulsive disorder in children

When a neurologist is needed? – Dr. Komarovsky