Obsessions are recurrent, intrusive and persistent thoughts of any nature that when experienced by an individual causes anxiety. Real life situations where concern and worry is warranted are not included. Compulsions are repetitive mental exercises and behaviors that an individual performs as a response to an obsession in order to prevent or control it. Children are not necessarily aware that their obsessions or compulsions are excessive behaviors. It is often difficult to know if children have obsessions because they may not, as a rule, confide in others about them. Many children communicate their anxiety by aberrant behaviors, physical complaints and/or unwarranted fears. It is likely that in children compulsions are the best clue for entertaining the diagnosis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. See Validation Statement , Obsessive Compulsive Spectrum Disorder , and Pervasive Developmental Disorder .

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The Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a major diagnostic consideration and a black bar for all conditions will be indicated if the Obsessive Compulsive Disorder should be considered. A gray bar will be used for other disorders in the spectrum. (Dr. Eric Hollender is the author of the obsessive compulsive spectrum disorder). Whether these disorders have a common psychophysiologic origin and treatment is arbitrary, however, it seems to be a good idea to present them as a group of disorders commonly seen in children. The user should be aware that the disorders otherwise would be classified differently. For example, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is generally placed in the category of an Anxiety Disorder while Tourette's Syndrome is classified as a Movement Disorder. Disorders in the Obsessive Compulsion Spectrum are as follows:

Anorexia Nervosa Body Dysmorphic Disorder Compulsive Disorder Depersonalization Disorder Hypchondriasis Intermittent Explosive Disorder Kleptomania Obsessive Disorder Pathological Gambling Disorder Pyromania Sexual Obsessions Trichotillomania Tourette's Syndrome See ABLE Glossary for individual disorders. See Validation Statement.

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Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

A term used for a condition where an affected individual often refuses to conform to what would be considered by most to be extremely lenient obligatory behavior. The condition has much to do with loss of control and is characterized by acting out to the point of markedly disrupting environmental and/or social relationships, by disobeying adult rules and by verbal and physical aggression toward all ages. Psycho social and Developmental Disorders are often seen as coentities with Oppositional Defiant Disorder. One should be certain ODD is not a factor in normal developmental behavior as seen in early childhood and adolescence. ODD behavior must be present for six months or more and the individual should not meet the criteria for a Conduct Disorder. See Validation Statement , Conduct Disorder and Temperament Problem .

Go to ABLE Resource Room for an article on Oppositional Defiant Disorder

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