Although these disorders are not categorized under the anxiety umbrella, disorders like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are closely related, and often accompany, anxiety disorders.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a combination of unwanted and sometimes disturbing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behavior to ward off those thoughts (compulsions). Thoughts can sometimes counter a persons sense of self, as many thoughts are dark or opposed to what they believe in. As a result, compulsions form as a way to fight off the thoughts, or prevent them from being reality. However, these compulsions are often irrational and time consuming, and they can change over time (going from checking a lock 3 times to checking it 18 times). OCD is a very disruptive disorder, and can greatly impact ones life. In a school setting, it can be difficult for a child to manage their OCD. (WorryWiseKids & ADAA,2015., NIMH, n.d.)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on the other hand is a more direct and violent disorder. According to WorryWiseKids, PTSD "which can begin anywhere from a month to many months after the traumatic event, is manifested by hypervigilance, emotional reactivity, and re-experiencing of traumatic material through flashbacks"(2015). While PTSD is only developed in approximately 25% of children who experience a traumatic event (WorryWiseKids, 2015), these experiences can be extremely detrimental to mental health and school performance. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the graphs below illustrate the frequency of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in children:
Causes
With OCD, the causes are unknown (like most anxiety disorders), but scientists have found ties to genetics, environment, and certain parts of the brain. PTSD on the other hand stems from witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. In addition, scientists have made strides in uncovering that genetics play a major role in the development of PTSD symptoms. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, "for example, PTSD researchers have pinpointed genes that make:Stathmin, a protein needed to form fear memories. In one study, mice that did not make stathmin were less likely than normal mice to “freeze,” a natural, protective response to danger, after being exposed to a fearful experience. They also showed less innate fear by exploring open spaces more willingly than normal mice. GRP (gastrin-releasing peptide), a signaling chemical in the brain released during emotional events. In mice, GRP seems to help control the fear response, and lack of GRP may lead to the creation of greater and more lasting memories of fear. Researchers have also found a version of the 5-HTTLPR gene, which controls levels of serotonin — a brain chemical related to mood-that appears to fuel the fear response. Like other mental disorders, it is likely that many genes with small effects are at work in PTSD"(NIMH, n.d.).
Signs & Symptoms
According to Worry Wise Kids, an awareness organization created by Dr. Tamar Chansky, in conjunction with The Children's and Adult Center for OCD and Anxiety, here are ten red flags to look out for: OCD
Obsessions and/or compulsions take up more than one hour a day or significantly interfere with a child's home life, school life or social functioning:
Intrusive thoughts, images, impulses that make no sense and are diametrically opposed to the child's being (loving child pictures stabbing parent; religious child fears that hates God; innocent child believes was sexually involved)
Interferes with functioning- child late for school, unable to get dressed on time for redoing, unable to complete homework due to erasing, rewriting, rereading
Child fears that he or she is going crazy because of the strangeness of the thoughts
PTSD
re-experiencing of the event through flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, repetitive play with trauma-related themes, intense distress when exposed to reminders of the trauma, may suddenly feel that trauma is recurring
increased fears and anxieties especially at night or upon separation
increased level of distress-irritable, easily set off, stressed
avoidance of thoughts, feelings, reminders associated with trauma
decreased interest in previously significant activities (friends, sports, school)
emotional regression-thumb sucking, loss of previously acquired developmental skills (in younger children-bladder, bowel control, language skills)
detachment from others, restricted emotional affect, or anger, aggressive play
Furthermore, the NIMH released it's own list of PTSD symptoms experienced by children specifically: "Children and teens can have extreme reactions to trauma, but their symptoms may not be the same as adults. In very young children, these symptoms can include:
Bedwetting, when they’d learned how to use the toilet before
Forgetting how or being unable to talk
Acting out the scary event during playtime
Being unusually clingy with a parent or other adult.