Child & Adolescent Anxiety Research

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by unwanted and intrusive thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions), and/or repetitive, ritualized behaviors (compulsions). OCD affects 1-3% of children and adolescents.

Obsessions

Obsessions are intrusive & persistent thoughts or images that are distressing and difficult to control. They can be very time-consuming, and frequently cause problems in school, relationships, and daily living. Common obsessions in children and adolescents include:

• Contamination - excessive concern or worry about germs, dirt, or illnesses
• Forbidden thoughts - unwanted sexual, aggressive, or religious thoughts or images (e.g., fear of harming oneself or others, excessive concern about committing a sin, thoughts about offending God)
• Superstitious thoughts - lucky or unlucky numbers, colors, or words

Compulsions

Compulsions are behaviors or rituals that must be done repetitively or in a certain way, often as a means of decreasing anxiety associated with one's obsessions. Common compulsions in children and adolescents are:

• Washing/Cleaning - excessive or ritualized hand washing or showering, cleaning of personal objects, or anything done to prevent or remove contact with germs or contaminants
• Checking - checking that you did not make a mistake, that doors are locked or the oven is off
• Ordering/Repeating - rereading or rewriting, repeating routine activities (e.g., walking in and out of doorways, getting up and down from chairs, need for symmetry or evenness)