Young author shares her experience with disorder

Kathleen Dunn may be 9 years old, but the wisdom she includes in her self-published book, "The ABC's of OCD" offers a deep understanding of the obsessive-compulsive disorder that she has worked hard to control for the past three years.

"I want [other children] to know that life will be OK and you can tell people about it," said Kathleen, who is entering fourth grade at St. Ursula School in Hampton. "Help is out there."

Those with obsessive-compulsive disorder are unable to let go of an idea or urge, according to the national Obsessive Compulsive Foundation. The disorder is believed to be a result of unusual wiring in the brain.

According to the foundation, one in 50 adults have the disorder and twice that many have had it at some time.

Kathleen's mother, Kate, said she and her husband, Dan, noticed their youngest daughter's obsessive-compulsive tendencies when she was about 6. Kathleen would worry unnecessarily, repeatedly wash her hands and say the words "I think" during and at the end of nearly every sentence.

"She was starting to get teased because of the 'I think,' and it got to be very upsetting for her," Mrs. Dunn said.

Because their oldest daughter also was diagnosed with the disorder at about the same age, the Dunns recognized the need for early intervention.

"When Kathleen started with similar symptoms, we were able to pinpoint it sooner," Mrs. Dunn said. Because of that intervention, Kathleen is nearly symptom-free, she said.

Kathleen, who wants to be a writer and a family doctor when she grows up, said she decided to write about the disorder because she's familiar with the topic.

She started writing down alphabetical sayings such as "A is for always doing it again," and "B: You can always get better from your OCD ... "

A friend of Mrs. Dunn encouraged her to publish the work. So Mrs. Dunn, a graphic designer, and Kathleen put together the book. They printed 200 copies in December and have sold all but about 30.

It sells on their Web site, <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.abcocd.com">http://www.abcocd.com</a><!-- m -->, for $14.99 plus shipping and handling.

The proceeds will defray printing costs, and what's left will go into Kathleen's college bank account, her mother said.

"Life will be OK" is the theme of the book, and Mrs. Dunn hopes children and adults alike can benefit from that message.

"Our hope is to let other children know OCD is OK and that you can tell your teachers and parents that you are having these symptoms, that it's part of you and you can tell it what to do," Mrs. Dunn said.

Kathleen's goal is the same. "You have to be in front of your OCD and you can boss it back," she said. "Life will be OK."