Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is estimated to effect one in every 100 children. It is a neurobiological anxiety disorder characterized by "a pattern of intrusive, distressing thoughts and repetitive behaviors." [A.D.A.M. Health Encyclopedia] This week, we'll focus on OCD in children, how s...
Recently..in the past 7 weeks..my 3-year-old grandson has latched onto a habit that has us,his family,baffled. He will eat ONLY applesauce,baby food,and milk or juice from a cup. All meals. He refuses ANYTHING else,including cookies,candy..ant kind of treat that he once ate with gusto. He actually 'shivers' if encouraged to try anything else and has said,"No! It tastes yucky in my mouth!"
He is the fourth of five children..the oldest is 9,the youngest,8 months old.There is no doubt,much stress in this active family. But the parents love each other and are very good to their children.
Is this an OCD manifestation?
Of my 12 grandchildren,there is one granddaughter who has severe OCD and has been hospitalized twice for cutting herself. She is now 16 and also suffers from Aspergers Syndrome. She exhibited OCD symptoms at this age-hand washing...etc;
I'm DEEPLY concerned as my grandson is losing weight and is also dealing with sibling ridicule. I should mention he abruptly stopped potty training at the same time his other issue presented.
We wondered if the new baby has given him cause to regress...but then watching his facial expression when he refuses other food seems to indicate it's much more than this.
Any thoughts?
Deeply concerned grandma,here.....Thank you!
Bonnie
Thank you for your question and welcome to AnxietyConnection.com.
I am not a medical professional and would not be able to give you medical advice.
It would be impossible to say whether your grandson has OCD or Asperger's. I will tell you that there are some overlapping symptoms in the different disorders. For example, hypersensitivities, such as sensitivities to food are common in children with Asperger's and ADHD, children may be unable to tolerate certain tastes, smells or textures. Children with OCD may also have an intolerance to certain foods, but it may be caused by different reasons.
In general, in order to be diagnosed with many disorders, such as ADHD or OCD, symptoms must be present for at least six months. For others, such as Asperger's this is not necessarily true, although during an evaluation the doctor would ask about developmental milestones and when certain behaviors began.
However, as you suggested, this could also be an emotional reaction to a specific event, such as the birth of a sibling.
It might be beneficial for your grandson to have a complete evaluation to find out exactly what is going on. I would suggest having a pediatric mental health provider complete the evaluation.
I am giving you links that might help:
OCD in Children
National Children's Mental Health Awareness Week: Anxiety Disorders in Children
Anxiety in Children
Managing Hypersensitivities in Children with ADHD
Autism Spectrum Disorders, Food Sensitivities and Thanksgiving
Hypersensitivities in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Signs of Autism
Please check back and let me know how your grandson is doing.
Eileen
Thank you,Eileen! I appreciate your response and good information. I will review all
Thank you,Eileen!
I'll review all of your suggested material..
Yesterday,my grandson went off his self-imposed diet plan and began sampling foods he once relished. He also ate his applesauce.
NO idea why this happened..The stable strike ended as mysteriously as it began.
Never the less...ANYTHING could manifest again..so watching closely.
Thank you once again!
Thanks Bonnie for giving me an update. Please keep me posted on how your grandson is doing.
Eileen