What are the Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common and treatable medical condition that affects more than one million children in the United States alone. Children with OCD suffer from obsessions and compulsions that distress them significantly enough to interfere with daily functioning and relationships.

Obsessions are persistent fears or doubts and upsetting thoughts or images that a child cannot ignore or dismiss.

Compulsions are repetitive actions or rituals intended to relieve the anxiety caused by the obsessions. Performing compulsions ultimately reinforces the obsessions. Some compulsions are physical, such as washing, checking, tapping, or walking in a certain pattern. Others are mental, such as silent counting or compulsive praying.

If you believe your child may have OCD, the best thing you can do as a parent is to learn to recognize the signs and symptoms, so you can get them the right treatment.

Use the quiz below to assess your child’s OCD symptoms.