Special Needs

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a neurobiological illness and one of the anxiety disorders. People with OCD become trapped in a pattern of repetitive thoughts and behaviours that may appear senseless but are distressing and extremely difficult to overcome. The degree of compulsion varies from mild to severe. OCD can persist throughout a person’s life.

OCD manifests itself in a variety of ways and individuals usually suffer from a combination of symptoms. Those with OCD are driven to repeatedly think certain thoughts and perform certain behaviours.

Common obsessions reported by individuals with OCD are fear of contamination, harm, illness or death. These obsessions cause significant distress and the compulsive behaviour serves to reduce anxiety. Individuals perform repetitive actions or rituals to relieve their anxiety, avoid some dreaded event, or to prevent or undo discomfort. Common compulsions include repeated or extensive washing, cleaning, or rituals including repeating, touching or counting. They may be obsessed by constant attempts to achieve symmetry in the way their things are arranged. Some OCD youths continually seek reassurance that there are no germs on the water fountain, or they have not made an error on a page. Although reassurance may serve to ease the anxiety the relief is short lived.

Childhood OCD tends to manifest itself in isolation from peers, substance abuse, and a higher rate of suicide. Childhood OCD was once thought to be a rare disorder but research has shown it is more common than was previously believed. Recent evidence points to a complication in the transmission of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain. Life events may have some bearing in the onset of childhood OCD and tend to be linked to a specific, traumatic event such a death of a family member, a divorce, a move to a new location or even unhappiness with a change in schools.

OCD often occurs alongside disorders such as depression, other anxiety disorders such as panic disorders, adjustment disorders, oppositional defiance disorders, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders and Tourette’s Syndrome.

• Try to accommodate situations and behaviour over which the girl has no control. Punishments create additional stress and may actually increase the likelihood of an OCD attack.
  
• Remember that girls with OCD, like all children, have behaviour problems that may be helped by setting clear limits and establishing consequences for their behaviour.
• Try to be sensitive to the emotional needs of the girl. Youths with OCD frequently have low self-esteem. Look for the girl’s strengths and talents and be sure to point them out to her.
• Some children and adolescents with OCD have trouble with peer relationships and may be socially isolated. Try to structure activities so that these girls are included and never tolerate teasing directed at them.
• It may be helpful to designate one leader to be the girl’s "safe" person to whom she can turn when she is struggling. This leader should be capable of being empathetic to the girl’s needs.
• Keep the lines of communication open with the girl’s family.
• Be aware of changes in the girl’s behaviour and needs.
• As with all special needs children, common sense should be used.

It is worth noting that there are many people who have Obsessive Compulsive tendencies but who are not actually sufferers of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Many, including some of our sister Guiders, are recognizable as being washers, checkers, cleaners, hoarders, repeaters and organizers. We all know the woman who cleans her immaculate house and then immediately starts over again because the dust has settled. We all know a hoarder and the person who must organize things "the right way." Although these obsessions are not as intense as those of a person with OCD, these women are still plagued with an obsession. It is hoped this article will give others better understanding of a person with obsessions.

Any Guider, living in an Area without a Special Needs Adviser, who is interested in the position should contact the Alberta Special Needs Adviser or her Area Commissioner.

If you have any questions about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or any other condition, call your Area Special Needs Adviser or:

Bev Wereley