OCD In Children

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or OCD is a mental health disorder that affects people from all walks of life, according to the OCD Foundation.


OCD occurs when a person is caught in a cycle of obsessions and compulsions that he fails to break free of.


This cycle of obsessions and compulsions becomes so extreme that it consumes a lot of time and gets in the way of important activities that the person values.


Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images or urges that trigger intensely distressing feelings meanwhile compulsions are behaviours an individual engages in to attempt to get rid of the obsessions and/or decrease his or her distress.


In 2017, Priory Group of UK, authored by Dr Hayley van Zwanenberg, published a guide on OCD in children entitled "Let's Talk About OCD" outlining what obsessions and compulsions may look like in children.


At School


Repeatedly getting up from an assigned chair to engage in a repetitive behavior, like taking a book from a shelf or ensuring pens/pencils are in the
correct order.


Avoiding playground equipment and not interacting with other children in the playground.


Worried about writing neatly or keeping their desk organised - often to the point of anxiety. For example, they might scribble out and screw up their work when they get anxious.


Frequently requesting to go to the bathroom, with no medical explanation.


Asking repetitive questions or seeking reassurance from the teacher that an answer was correct.


Unable to shift between subjects abruptly, which often results in them getting angry or upset.


Retracing or counting steps; for example walking the same route to class three times before entering.


Erasing letters repeatedly until they are exactly right.


Continually disengaged and not listening in class. This might show that a child is engaging in a mental ritual, such as repeating certain numbers
or words in their head to stop something bad from happening.


These rituals have a significant impact on a child’s concentration.


At Home


No interest in playing with other children or unfamiliar toys.


Scared of catching germs from common objects in the outside world, such as animals or litter.


Collecting or hoarding objects in high quantities.


Spending too much time in the bathroom washing their hands or possessions.


Anxiety about making a mistake that will cause the house to burn down, a parent to die, or pain to a beloved pet.


Repetitive and ritualistic movements, often with irrational justifications; touching a door handle more than once to ensure it is locked so the house
does not get burgled whilst you are out.


Tapping objects in repetitive order and ensuring objects in the house are not out of place. You may find they say the same words/sentences in exactly the 'right way', especially at bedtime.


Preoccupation with death, religious questions, or abstract concepts like good and evil.


Obsession with special numbers. For example, a child may only like the number four and therefore, will cut their food into that number of pieces each time they eat.