Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Teenage Girls
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by unwelcome and continual thoughts, feelings, ideas and sensations.
Her nonstop cycle of unwanted thoughts (obsessions) leads to attempts to defuse them by engaging in compulsive actions. Even though she will know that the thoughts or behaviors are disproportionate, she will get only fleeting reprieve by performing the compulsive behaviors.
This can be even more anxiety-producing, with fear of germs, illness disease, mistakes, insistence on symmetry or precision, undesired urges to hurt someone, or unacceptable sexual thoughts.
Her usual compulsions may be excessively ritualistic, like repeatedly counting or saying specific words, repetition of everyday activities (in/out of a doorway, turning on/off the stove, open/closing a drawer), hoarding (especially items with no visible value), consumption of foods in a precise order.
*Note: while sometimes used interchangeably, OCD is not to be confused with OCPD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder. An OCD sufferer has unwanted thoughts and understands they are senseless, while an OCPD sufferer believes her thinking to be appropriate and natural.
If not treated for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, your girl might suffer additional problems (although not all caused directly by OCD): depression, eating or anxiety disorders, poor quality of life, and suicidal thoughts (or behavior).
Cognitive behavior therapy is most efficient, often in conjunction with medication, in helping her confront her OCD unease and anxieties in healthy ways. Anti-depressants (particularly ones that interact with the brain’s serotonin production) may also be useful in mitigating symptoms of OCD.
About Columbus Girls Academy
CGA is a Christian boarding school for teenage girls suffering from life-controlling problems, we offer a disciplined and controlled therapeutic situation that focuses on whole-person character development with spiritual growth, and balances discipline along with personal responsibility, in a positive peer culture.
For parents who’ve tried everything possible, we offer an alternative program designed to help your daughter before she becomes trapped in a dysfunctional adult lifestyle.
The peace and tranquility of our 200-acre campus encourages introspective thinking, along with both individual and regular group mentoring. Recognized by organizations that sustain quality academic standards required by institutions of higher learning, our program is tailored to your daughter’s needs, providing her the opportunity to refocus and gain a new perspective.
