She has a perfect assignment, but she can’t stop herself from rewriting it at midnight, and her homework is now a day late. Always, Liza’s priority in every work in school is to be free of mistakes. If not happen, she fears others’ judgment. She wants to do her best. It’s not just about being careful or wanting to do everything right. This is perfectionist OCD, and it affects many children and teens more than people realize.
Perfectionism OCD in children
Perfectionism OCD is a condition in which a person becomes so obsessed with doing everything perfectly that they can’t live without it.
A recent study surveyed 750 children and teens over a year. They found that perfectionism and fear of uncertainty were the strongest predictors of future OCD symptoms. This means that children who struggle with a perfectionist approach to everything today may be more likely to develop OCD later.
Look for these common symptoms:
- Spending too much time on homework or projects
- Starting things over and over again because they don’t seem right
- Afraid to try new things because they might not be perfect
- Getting very upset when things don’t go exactly as planned
- Avoiding activities where they might make mistakes
Daily troubles:
Take an example. Marcus does almost set everything (e.g., cleaning bed sheets many times, arranging the study table neatly time to time, etc.) in his room every day, and if even one thing doesn’t go right, his mood gets sour because things aren’t done right, or everything isn’t perfect. His parents try to help, but Marcus is still convinced that his room must be perfect, or else the world will be out of balance.
This is an example of the true nature of perfectionism. Children know their behavior may seem excessive to others, but they can’t help themselves. They fear imperfections more than the enjoyment they derive from such activities.
Perfectionism OCD is commonly manifested in:
- Schoolwork and homework
- Cleaning the room
- Handwriting and erasing
- Getting dressed or ready for school
- Sports or other activities
The “Just try harder” problem
Many families know something isn’t right. Yet, they simply think it’s good for their future. Many children try to avoid being careless or not caring about mistakes. Still, perfectionist OCD isn’t something that can be easily ignored.
Emma’s parents convinced her that she could devote only one hour a day to homework. She thought it was a good decision. However, when she saw that her work wasn’t done properly, she panicked and tried to follow the rules, but the anxiety was too much, so she chose another approach. The family was worried because, even though Emma knew how to handle everything, she couldn’t cope.
This condition is based on the thoughts of OCD, which are very important and real for children. They are very anxious and know that something bad will happen if they skip, correct, or redo their work. Even if they understand the logic of reducing their work the first time, the emotional fear is too strong to ignore.
Perfectionism OCD treatment
A child mental health specialist, such as a board-certified child psychiatrist, can help children suffering from perfectionistic OCD more effectively. They understand that this is a result of a specific personality type. With technology, you can now connect with a board-certified online psychiatrist and child psychiatrist to receive expert psychiatric care.
At GABA Telepsychiatry, child psychiatrists treat kids and teens up to 18 years with OCD, anxiety, and other issues. They work with families, schools, and community organizations in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect how a kid or teen feels, thinks, and acts. Their thorough psychiatric assessment ensures to offer children a personalized and evidence-based treatment plan.
Effective OCD treatment methods:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This treatment focuses primarily on the child’s thinking. They try to figure out the reason for these feelings. A therapist can encourage kids to face the perceived consequences of their weaknesses and enable them to view the consequences of their actions.
Exposure and response prevention (ERP): This method entails a gradual exposure to the situations that the child fears, but in a very gentle and safe way. Suppose a kid always edits their schoolwork many times; the treatment plan may involve them turning in an assignment only a single time.
Family support training: This trains parents to respond appropriately to the child’s situation under the pressure of perfectionism. They are able to learn the right time to support their kid and when they can be self-reliant.
The science of recovery
Studies show that the earlier you get help, the greater the recovery rates. In a study of 754 children, findings showed that perfectionism and unreasonable fears prevent future OCD-related problems.
What does it mean for families?
Parents should take any early signs of perfectionism as a reason for action. Professional treatment for OCD will work better than a do-it-yourself approach.
- Children are neither stubborn nor lazy. They are simply coping with difficult situations.
- Treatment can prevent the development of serious problems.
Perfectionist OCD is practical and manageable with professional guidance. Children need to be taught the right way to deal with mistakes and avoid the pressure of pursuing perfectionism through different communication techniques. Families should receive information that can ease the situation without worsening it, rather than creating conflict.
Take these actions:
- Have an open, nonjudgmental talk with children about their issues
- Contact a mental health professional who has experience with childhood OCD
- Let the child know that you are loving and concerned in reaching out for help
Children, like adults, need to feel that they can do their best without the fear that doing their best will ruin their lives. When we talk with children about their problems and help them to feel safe, they will hear what we have to say, and they will be able to balance their lives.
As a caregiver, do not forget to care for your own mental health. Anxiety is the most common mental disorder found in children and caregivers. If you feel anxious, you can seek help from an anxiety doctor near me or an anxiety specialist near me. You can also easily obtain prescribed anxiety medication or other psychiatric medications online through a prudent and secure private consultation, should you choose that option.
