Obsessive Compulsive Disorder According to Transactional Analysis

Obsessive compulsive disorder is identified as a psychological dysfunction where a person experiences elaborated thoughts that intrude with their normative functioning ( ). These thoughts are typically rational however their constant recurrence

can make it difficult for a person to accomplish tasks that are important in daily functioning. The manifestations of these thoughts are also observable though ritualized actions. Actions are also interfering and exhibit the OCD individual’s constant struggle to neutralize their mood and reduce negative thinking (Ferrier & Brewin, 2004). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been the most popular method of treatment among clinicians treating OCD however it is important to address the affects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy from a developmental perspective because children with OCD posses many age-related differences from OCD adults (Piacentini, 1999). The majority of OCD cases have been studied primarily within the adult population however similarities exist and CBT remains the most successful treatment application for continued normal functioning.

The reason that CBT is the most successful operation of prevention is because its places the responsibility on the person to change their mental wellbeing. CBT challenges the patient to reorganize their recurring thoughts into a less obsessive pattern of thinking.

However this demanding cognitive elaboration might be difficult for a child to abstractly comprehend. This presents implications of treatment that are alien to the systematic process of CBT. Since children aren’t developmentally mature to comprehend abstract concepts it can be difficult for a clinician to provide the proper insight toward the child’s cognitive reorganization. Children are also more present-oriented than adults (Piacentini, Bergman, Jacobs, McCracken, & Kretchman, 2000). Failure to properly treat this can result in a reemergence of the same problems later in development. Geffken, Sajid, and MacNaughton studied a boy for approximately 8 years and found a relapse in symptomology for OCD criteria. This result is a good example of disrupted development during a pre-adolescent period.

Constant thought interference is a strong precursor toward negative outcomes.

An example is peers relations; during adolescence it’s very important. OCD Children will often miss out on opportunities to master social skills. During this developmental stage however establishing identification with others peers is necessary because it’s these earlier identifications with others that predicts self-assurance and well-being later in life. The basis of CBTs is that our thoughts cause our feelings and behavior to react the way it does. In the case of adolescents, CBT can be preventive and help them with isolation from school work, peers, and other school activities. This treatment is very helpful with alleviating thoughts that cause behavioral problems through interactive homework assignments and verbal exchange