OCD in Childhood
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common psychological, anxiety disorder that is characterized by repetitive and intrusive thoughts and stereotypic behaviors frequently associated with dread and compulsion (Walitza). These intrusive thoughts can be scary and the behaviors are often disruptive to the development of social relationships and therefore debilitating especially to children and adolescents. OCD affects approximately 3% of the population and an early age of symptoms onset during childhood and adolescence is reported by more than half of adults with OCD (Rasmussen, 1992). OCD is a highly comorbid disorder with many children meeting diagnostic criteria for other psychological disorders. Given the early onset of the disorder and the high morbidity associated with it, extensive research has been conducted on childhood OCD. Studies have aimed to determine the genetic composition of the disorder and define the associated symptoms for more appropriate qualification and treatment of the disorder.
Previous studies suggest that obsessive-compulsive disorder is a familial disorder and may therefore have genetic predispositions. Based on these early observations, Walitza et al. conducted a review of the literature to determine if any definite genetic markers for OCD have been identified (2010). The authors looked at twin and family-based studies that trace patterns of inheritance. These indicated a significant incidence of OCD across generations of the same family. More specific analysis of linkage studies that examined molecular genetic associations with OCD found several genes of neurotransmitter systems that may contribute to the development of OCD. In particular, the glutamate transporter gene SLC1A1, was identified for its involvement in OCD. Elevated levels of glutamate in the cerebrospinal fluid of OCD patient further corroborated this finding. However, findings were tentative as the authors conclude that the pathogenesis of OCD is likely influenced by genetic as well as environmental factors. No definitive genetic map of the disease has yet been defined as genome-wide association analyses continue to be conducted.
One of the main behavioral aspects...
" (p. 12) According to Cromer (2005) the literature that addresses the relationship between stressful life events and obsessive compulsive disorders does provide some degree of support implicating traumatic life-stress as being a factor in the onset and maintenance of the obsessive compulsive disorders however the exact relationship between the SLE and OCD "remains an empirical questions" specifically relating to "traumatic negative life events" (2005; p.13) Most of studies in
Here is what is known for now: Patients who are found to have OCD generally display symptoms along the lines of having compulsions, obsessions, doubting, hyper-vigilance and the need to control their environment. No one is completely certain what it is that causes OCD, although there are two trains of thought on the matter. Some people believe that OCD is a psychological disorder and others believe that it is
Another factor which has been proven to be linked to obesity is breast-feeding. Children that are breast-fed are less likely to become obese than bottle-fed infants. ("Further..." 2003) Other reasons cited for the increase in obesity among children is a lack of education (such as mandatory physical education programs) and a lack of safe places to exercise in urban areas. (Michael & Styne 1999) The best approach to treating childhood obesity
dysfunctional behavior that strikes 1 out of 40 or 50 adults and 1 out of 100 children or 2-3% of any population. It can begin at any age, although most commonly in adolescence or early adulthood - from ages 6 to 15 in boys and between 20 and 30 in women -- according to the National Institute for Mental Health. This behavioral affliction is, therefore, more common than schizophrenia
Diagnostic Statistical Manual Disorders Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Anxiety Disorders There is a large array of more specified disorder types within the general category of anxiety disorders, but which all share a common symptom of increased anxiety (429). These are comprised of not only Generalized Anxiety Disorder, but also Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Social Phobia, Acute Stress Disorder, Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder, and unspecified conditions that do not meet the conditions
Clinically meaningful differences between juvenile and adult participants were also found. Compared to adults, juveniles were more likely to be male, recall an earlier age at OCD onset, and have different lifetime comorbidity patterns. Significant outcomes were that children were less likely than either adolescent or adults to report aggressive obsessions and mental rituals. The glaring - and possibly only -- distractions that I see with this study are that
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