Hypersensitive Children May Develop OCD

Are some children more inclined than others to become adults who suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)? According to a research conducted at Tel Aviv University, Israel, some sensitivities found in children may prove so.

The study leader, Professor Dar, believes that children who are extremely sensitive to touch or smell often feel as though they are being attacked or threatened by their environment. To help deal with these feelings of anxiety, they may adopt ritualistic behaviours as a mechanism to regain their sense of control, which is symptomatic of adults who suffer from OCD.

While Professor Dar admits that all children have particular habits and preferences, he stresses that not all of them are necessarily early indicators of OCD. “If a child is very rigid with rituals, becoming anxious if unable to engage in this behaviour, it is more alarming,” said Dar. He explained that age is another factor to be taken into account: a habit adopted by a five or six year old, isn’t necessarily a predictor of OCD. However, if the same behaviour continues at the age of eight or above, it could be an indicator. Dar recommends that parents with a hypersensitive child should “gradually expose him to the various tastes and textures that are bothersome.”

Early intervention would be very beneficial for such children.