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Explain the disorder and the earliest age of onset or when it can be diagnosed:

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Explain the disorder and the earliest age of onset or when it can be diagnosed:

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OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder): A pattern of unwanted thoughts and behaviors that happen quite often. The earliest average age of onset OCD is 10 years old, but children can be diagnosed as early as 5 years old.

Anxiety: In children, it is considered a disorder if fears of doing certain things interfere with the child's life for more than 6 months. Anxiety is diagnosed the earliest in children 8 years and older, screenings can be recommended for kids as young as 8.

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The disorders I will be researching are Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, which is most commonly known as OCD, and Anxiety

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OCD: Some signs and symptoms of OCD are unwanted thoughts and impulses that occur often, thinking or saying something repeatedly, doing something over and over, and doing something over and over to follow certain rules that help make the obsession go away. These symptoms are usually the same in adults.

Anxiety: Some signs of anxiety in children could be them crying/worrying more than other kids their age, having trouble sleeping or nightmares, restless, and get angry quickly.

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OCD: OCD is treated by cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication. Therapy can help the child learn about what they are going through and find ways to cope with it. I think this won't really disrupt day-to-day interactions in the classroom, but depending on the level of severity, it could. I know many people with OCD who do just fine, but everyone is different.

Anxiety: Anxiety is also treated by cognitive-behavioral therapy and medications such as Fluoxetine and Sertraline. I think this can disrupt day-to-day interactions in the classroom because there are a lot of activities that require getting out of your comfort zone and meeting new people which can make anyone really anxious.

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OCD: Long term effects of OCD can include, constant anxiety, depression, increased risk of substance abuse, and trouble with employment.

Anxiety: Long term outcomes of anxiety can include, increased risk of depression, suicide, bullying, struggles in school and attendance, higher risk for low grades, and mental health issues in adulthood.

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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children | Children’s Mental Health | CDC

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How is anxiety in children treated?

There are two main ways to treat anxiety in children: cognitive behavioral therapy and medication therapy. Both of these treatments may work on their own, but they seem to work better together.

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps children learn coping skills that help with calming body reactions, thinking differently and facing fears and challenges in smaller steps. Children can learn coping skills in individual therapy or group therapies. Parents can also learn about these coping skills so they can support their children in practicing them.

Medications

Your child's healthcare provider may prescribe a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like:

Or if these aren't effective or appropriate for your child, they may prescribe a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) like:

Duloxetine (Cymbalata®, Drizalma®, Irenka®).

Side effects of medications that treat childhood anxiety

Call your healthcare provider if your child develops any of the following side effects:

Allergic reaction.

Bloody poop.

Fast or irregular heartbeat.

Fainting, dizziness, chest pain or shortness of breath.

High fever.

Sudden vision changes or eye pain.

Thoughts of suicide or worsening mood.

There are other side effects from medications used to treat anxiety in children that don't normally require medical attention. They should go away after a few weeks but may come back if your child's dose changes. Your child's healthcare provider will discuss all this information with you and answer your questions.

Appetite changes.

Difficulty sleeping or drowsiness.

Dry mouth.

Headache.

Shaking (tremors).

Upset stomach, nausea or diarrhea.

How soon after treatment will my child feel better?

Many families begin with CBT and add additional therapies if needed. CBT, either individually - with a parent as co-therapist - or in groups, can be very effective in teaching step-by-step coping skills that reduce symptoms and improve coping. Because this type of therapy involves learning, children often learn quickly and can feel better and more confident within a few sessions. Sometimes, sessions reduce some symptoms but more help is needed for kids to be able to conquer their anxiety. In these situations, medication is also important.

Medications like SSRIs and SNRIs can take some time to start working. And not every medication works the same way in every person. Your child's healthcare provider may try one medication for a period of time (usually at least several weeks to a few months) to see if it helps. If it doesn't help, they may try a different medication.

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Anxiety in children is when worries or fears interfere with their life for at least six months. Early intervention and treatment can help.