Obsessive-compulsive Disorder: Help for Children and Adolescents

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the most common psychiatric problems faced by children, although frequently not diagnosed or treated. OCD is a neurological illness. Many children diagnosed with OCD also turn out to have other brain-based disorders, particularly attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD). Psychiatrists sometimes categorize patients who have certain common OCD behaviors as "counters," "cleaners," "checkers," and "hoarders." Childhood OCD can be a truly debilitating disability, not just a minor problem or personality quirk. Children with OCD experience extreme anxiety, embarrassment, sometimes even harassment, because of this disorder. Their OCD symptoms often prevent them from building good relationships, from achieving their best in school, and from having a normal childhood. The effects of this disruption can be painful and lifelong. The good news is that OCD is very treatable. With prompt, consistent intervention, most young people with OCD can wrest back control of their lives. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder helps parents: Secure an accurate and complete diagnosis Live with OCD in the family: using effective parenting techniques, building support systems, and handling difficult issues Understand medical interventions Explore therapeutic and other interventions, such as cognitive therapy and vitamins or supplements Get care with an existing health plan, even with no coverage of "mental disorders" Navigate the special education system Author Mitzi Waltz, an advocate for children's neurological issues, has included the stories of dozens of parents and adolescents.

Table of Contents:
Foreword Preface 1. Introduction to OCD What OCD looks like Long-term consequences OCD and other disorders What causes OCD? What doesn't cause OCD 2. Diagnosis Getting started Defining OCD OCD subtypes and variants Comorbid disorders Rare conditions What to do with a diagnosis 3. Living with OCD Turbulent times Thinking about thinking Discipline When stress strikes Socialization OCD and sexuality Safety matters Maintaining your equilibrium 4. Therapeutic Interventions Cognitive behavioral therapy Treating scrupulosity and hypochondria Play therapy Traditional psychotherapy Group therapy Milieu therapy Living for today 5. Medical Interventions Before you consider medication General tips about medication Medications for OCD Strategies for treatment-resistant OCD Medications for OCD-linked rage Anti-anxiety medications Medications for tics Strep-linked OCD OCD and other illness Medical care for eating disorders Hospitals and treatment centers Growing and changing 6. Other Interventions Holistic /alternative treatment systems Immune system support Probiotics Stress reduction Fixing sleep problems Supplement cautions Self-help for panic attacks Evaluating alternative interventions 7. Insurance Issues Private insurance: The American way Making insurance choices Managing "managed care" Fighting denial of care Public healthcare in the US Health Canada National Health in the UK Disability benefits in the Republic of Ireland Medicare in Australia Disability help in New Zealand Alternatives to insurance Changing the rules 8. School and Transition OCD at school Special school problems Support for students with OCD Placement decisions Monitoring school progress Taking on the school system Education in Canada Education in the UK Education in Australia Education in New Zealand School behavior and school violence Suspension and expulsion Extended school year services Early Intervention Why school matters so much Transition to adulthood OCD on the job Public assistance Housing Legal and financial planning Overcoming OCD's challenges A. Resources B. Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale Notes Index

About the Author :
Mitzi Waltz has been a professional author, journalist, and editor for over a decade, covering topics ranging from computers to health care. As the parent of a daughter diagnosed with bipolar disorder II and a son diagnosed with PDD-NOS, she has been heavily involved in parent support work, and has also advocated for special-needs children within the medical, insurance, and education systems. Ms. Waltz has also authored Pervasive Developmental Disorders: Finding a Diagnosis and Getting Help for O'Reilly Patient-Centered Guides series, among other books.