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John Foster
Mrs. Crist
English 4
18 February 2015

The Effects of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) During the Developmental

Stages of the Lifespan Using Ericksons Model in Developmental Stages.

Personality disorders are traits in which people consistently perceive, relate, and
think about themselves and the world around them. People with healthy personalities are
able to cope and relate to the world around them during normal everyday stresses.
Whereas Individuals with personality disorders struggle to perceive and relate to the
world at all. For these individuals it is very difficult to form or sustain a relationship with
other people. As a result the individuals suffering from a personality disorder are very
unhappy and distressed.

These personality disorders have eight Lifespan Developmental Stages in

Ericksons model on developmental stages. Stage one is the Parental Stage where nine
months of rapid growth in which organs and systems appear; extreme sensitivity to
negative influence (Dacey). In the early days of conception and through the parental
period does not seem to cause unusual psychological effects on obsessive compulsive
disorder (OCD). Some pregnant women who suffer from OCD can have problems with

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their unborn infant such as low birth weight. OCD seems to run in families, causing
members of several generations to experience the symptoms of OCD. It has been
believed for years that OCD is not genetic, but recent studies have shed new light on one
of the genetic factors that may contribute to that pattern. And while no one gene "causes"
OCD, the research is helping scientists confirm the importance of a particular gene that
has been suspected to play a major role in OCD's development (Henslin). Two
universities have found similarities between OCD patients and a glutamate transporter
gene called SLC1A1. The gene encodes a protein called EAAC1 that regulates the flow
of a substance called glutamate in and out of brain cells. So, variations in the gene might
lead to alterations in that flow, perhaps putting a person at increased risk of developing
OCD (Henslin). With the new technological advancements in health care we may have a
better understanding of this condition early on to help and maybe prevent OCD.

The second stage in through Ericksons Lifespan Developmental stages pertaining

to OCD is that of Infancy, (birth through 2years). During this time there is continued
rapid growth; brain development provides the basis for emergence of motor, cognitive,
and psychological accomplishments (Dacey). During this age it is very hard to tell what
is normal and what abnormal behavior is. During this time frame of age children are
performing obsessive and compulsive behavior as part of their play. This type of play
helps them to categories and figure out similarities and differences during play. Thinking
of lifespan development as the product of the interaction of biological, environmental, as
well as psychological forces helps us to better understand and appreciate the complexity
of development (Dacey). Children seem at this age mimic what they see. Children learn

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by what they see and instructions giving to them from adults. John Foster said, I
remember growing up how my sisters would keep a spotless house for my mother. I had
four sisters and all of them seem to be just like my mother where a clean house was
concerned. All of my sisters were older than me and my younger brothers, so maybe at an
early age we mimicked their behavior patterns and it could have very easily carried over
into our older childhood."

The third stage in Ericksons Lifespan Developmental stages pertaining to OCD is

that of early childhood (ages 2 through 6). During this time Physical growth slows
somewhat; substantial gains in cognitive and language development; the interplay
between socialization and individuation shapes personality and influences adjustment
(Dacey). During this stage of age is where some of the developments of OCD start to
surface. In the infancy stage (birth to 2 years of age) children, stated may just be
mimicking what adults do or by what they are instructed to do, however as children
approach their later years of early childhood (ages 2 through 6) these patterns maybe an
alarm for concern. OCD is caused by a mixture of nurture and nature. This is why it is
very important to recognize these traits as early as possible in order to keep them from
manifesting as a child grows older.

The fourth stage in Ericksons Lifespan Developmental stages pertaining to OCD

is that of middle childhood age (7 to 11 years of age). School becomes a major force in
development; physical, cognitive, and psychosocial abilities become apparent (Dacey).
OCD can effect a childs academic success in school as well their social development.

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When first introduced to school OCD can be torture for a child who suffers from it. A
child that suffers from OCD can have a difficult time concentrating in the classroom and
have difficulties finishing work on time. Children that suffer from OCD though want to
be just like other students in every aspect such as paying attention in class, finishing work
in a timely manner, and participate in discussions. However all too often they sub come
to their OCD urges and tendencies and are sapped of strength from dealing with the
messages that their brains are receiving and the needs of their OCD. When this happens a
student who suffers from OCD may not even hear the teacher or struggle to hear what is
being said because of the compulsions running through their minds. The extreme anxiety
that a child has when they suffer from OCD can be overwhelming and at times they feel
like a boiling pot of water ready to spew over. Unfortunately this release is usually in the
form of a compulsive behavior that may be disrupting to the rest of the class. OCD can
also have a devastating effect on the social interaction and the ability of young people to
interact with others. As a result of this many opportunities or lost to make friends and
have fun. During this time it is critical for children to develop social skills and
friendships. Schools bring about social integration (Henslin). Schools have added a
manifest function of mainstreaming. Mainstreaming seems to go fairly smoothly, but
students with severe emotional and behavioral problems disrupt classrooms, frustrate
teachers, and create teacher turnover (Henslin).
The fifth stage in Ericksons Lifespan Developmental stages pertaining to OCD is
that of adolescence (12 to 18 years of age). The changes of puberty affect all aspects of
development; thought becomes more abstract, academic achievement begins to shape the
future; the search for identity continues unabated (Dacey). There are many common

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obsessions that a child and teen may have, below are many of these obsessions (Kids
Health).
The sixth stage in Ericksons Lifespan Developmental stages pertaining to OCD is
that of early adulthood (19 to 34 years of age). Higher education or the beginning of work
beckons; relationships are a major focus of these years; marriage and children become
central concerns of the lifespan (Dacey).

The next stage in Ericksons Lifespan Developmental stages pertaining to OCD is

that of middle adulthood (35 to 64 years of age) Child raising years, family, careers this is
where the strain of OCD can change and take a toll and life changing alter for the worse.

References

Dacey, J., Fiore, L., & Travers, J. (2009). Human Development: Across the Lifespan.
New York, New York: McGraw-Hill.

McLeod, S. A. (2008). Erik Erikson.

Henslin, James M. (2010) Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach. (9th ed.). Boston:

Allyn and Bacon.

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