Obsessive-compulsive disorder invades more and more of the child's life making it more difficult to treat. Often, children aren't referred for treatment until they exhibit unacceptable behavior and difficulty in school. Compulsive behaviors and rituals are quite normal in children between the ages of two and eight. They seem to be a response to children's needs to control their environment and master childhood fears and anxieties. These childhood rituals enhance socialization, advance development and help children deal with separation anxiety.
Rituals help young children develop new abilities and define their environment.
As children mature, most ritualistic behaviors disappear on their own. In contrast, rituals of the child with OCD are painful, disabling, and result in feelings of shame and isolation. Trying to stop results in extreme anxiety. As in Wanda's Secrets, the first step in recovery is recognizing a problem. A psychiatrist can help determine if OCD is the problem.