A person with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) experiences frequent upsetting thoughts. In an attempt to relieve the anxiety and fear these obsessive thoughts produce, the person is driven to repeat certain rituals. Over time, these complicated rituals may interfere with their job, school, family responsibilities or social activities and make daily activities of life difficult to perform.
About 2.2 million American adults have OCD, with about one-third of them reporting the onset during their childhood. Most children with OCD are diagnosed around age 10, although it can start as early as age two. Boys are more likely to develop OCD before puberty, while girls tend to develop it during adolescence. OCD seems to affect roughly the same number of men and women.
Symptoms and Progression
For some, the OCD symptoms may come and go, or ease over time, but a completely symptom-free period is unusual. The good news is that OCD is highly treatable. People living with OCD may face fluctuating levels of distress, but awareness and treatment can lead to improvement in functioning and quality of life.
The disorder manifests through a cycle of intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, creating a pattern that is often difficult to break without intervention. This cycle can cause significant distress and impact daily living if left untreated.
Common Obsessions in OCD
OCD obsessions are intrusive, unwanted thoughts that repeatedly appear and cause anxiety. To cope with these thoughts, individuals often feel compelled to perform rituals or behaviors. Some of the most common obsessions include:
- Sickness, germs, dirt, infections, contamination, bodily functions
- Order, precision, symmetry
- Accidentally or deliberately harming self or others
- Household items or items of little value
- Offensive sexual or religious thoughts
- Magical thinking such as lucky numbers and superstitions
Signs of OCD in Children
It's common for children to ask parents or other family members to also perform their rituals. Refusal can trigger crying, tantrums, or other behavioral issues. This often prompts the family to pursue assessment and treatment. In some cases, children are skilled at hiding their compulsive behavior since they fear being judged for their thoughts and rituals.
Possible signs of OCD in children may include behaviors that interfere with school, relationships, and daily life. These indicators often highlight the need for professional evaluation and support.
Possible Behavioral Signs
OCD can be recognized in children through observable behaviors that are persistent and disruptive. These may include:
- Raw, chapped or bleeding hands from constant washing
- Long, frequent trips to the bathroom
- Unusually high rate of soap or paper towel usage
- Avoiding touching certain things because they are contaminated
- Holes erased through test papers or homework
- Unproductive hours spent at homework
- Unusually long amount of time getting ready for bed
- Persistent fear of illness
- Constantly checking health of family members
- Reluctance to leave the house at the same time as other family members
- Refusal to throw away used items such as gum wrappers or soda cans
- Hiding food in or under the bed or other furniture
Recognizing these signs early can allow families to seek timely help, leading to better treatment outcomes and improved well-being for children affected by OCD.