OCD - Help

Posted by Michael on April 29, 1999 at 21:05:07
Our doctor suspects our nine year old son my be suffering from OCD.    He suggested putting him on Zoloft for a trail period to see if it helps.  We are not sure this is the right course of treatment for such a young child and we are not convinced that he suffers from ODC.  Is there any way we can be sure of the diagnosis?  Can you give us some more information on ODC?

Posted by HFHS M.D.-JK on May 04, 1999 at 17:52:24
Dear Michael,
Children can develop obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Obsessive-compulsive disorder is manifested by obsessions &/or compulsions. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors (e.g. hand washing) or mental acts (e.g. counting, repeating words silently).  The goal of a compulsion is to prevent or reduce stress or anxiety.  Obsessions are persistent ideas, thoughts, impulses, or images that are experienced as intrusive and inappropriate and cause marked anxiety or distress.
Presentations of OCD in children are generally similar to adults.  Washing, checking, and ordering rituals are particularly common in children.  The parent usually identifies the problem in the child.   Children usually engage in rituals more at home, than in front of peers or teachers.
This disorder is treatable with medications such as Zoloft and behavioral psychotherapy.
I hope this information helps.  Good luck.

To set up a confidential psychiatric consultation at Henry Ford Behavioral Services, call [phone].
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.  Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.