Signs & Symptoms

The symptoms can wax and wane. Often there is no logical relationship between the obsession or compulsion and the fears it is designed to offset; rather than reducing the anxiety the obsessions and compulsions frequently increase it.

• Indications of frequent washing such as raw, chapped hands; high rate of soap and towel use; increase in laundry
• Sudden drop in test grades
• Constant doing and redoing of homework in an attempt to be perfect
• Reworking of written work
• Persistent fear of illness
• Long time spend in preparing for bed or getting ready for school
• Continual fear that something terrible will happen to self or family
• Collecting things others might discard

Common OCD Behaviors

Common obsessions of children and teens:

• Fear of dirt or germs
• Need for order; things must always be in a certain place
• Thoughts of nonsense words or images
• Religious obsessions
• Preoccupation with body wastes
• Sexual or aggressive thoughts
• Fear of harm to self or family members

Common compulsions of children and teens:

• Excessive hand washing, showering, bathing, and tooth brushing
• Touching rituals
• Ordering and arranging articles
• Repetition of rituals, such as putting clothes on and off, moving in a special way
• Hoarding and collecting things
• Counting rituals
• Checking drawers and locks