Childhood hypersensitivity linked to OCD in adulthood

Children with hypersensitivity are at a greater risk of developing obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in adulthood, a new study reveals.

Researchers at Tel Aviv University claim that oral and tactile sensitivities could be an early warning sign of OCD.

Professor Reuven Dar first suspected the link when working with OCD patients who reported sensitivity to touch and taste as children.

In the first study of its kind, Professor Dar has now identified that excessive adherence to childhood ritual and hypersensitivity foreshadows OCD.

According to Professor Dar, ritualistic behaviours help hypersensitive patients to cope with their condition.

To control OCD symptoms, researchers have previously recommended cognitive behavioural therapies to give patients the ability break cycles of ritualistic behaviour.

A study at the University of Pennsylvania found that subjects who had received cognitive behavioural therapy experienced at least a 30 percentage point reduction in their OCD scale baseline score.

The treatment may also be able to stimulate a new way of thinking about hypersensitivities in OCD patients.

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