Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
While symptoms of OCD do occur in children, it is recognized as a relatively common mental health disorder in adolescents. Most people are diagnosed by age 19. Current estimates suggest approximately 1-3 % of the U.S. adult population has this condition.
Signs and Symptoms
The following are the most common symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
An extreme preoccupation with dirt, germs, or contamination
Repeated doubts (for example, whether or not the door is locked)
Obtrusive thoughts about violence, hurting, killing someone, or harming self
Spending long periods of time touching things, counting, thinking about numbers and sequences
Preoccupation with order, symmetry, or exactness
Persistent thoughts of performing repugnant sexual acts or forbidden, taboo behaviors
Troubled by thoughts that are against personal religious beliefs
An extreme need to know or remember things that may be very trivial
Excessive attention to detail
Abnormalities with eating patterns
Excessive worrying about something terrible happening
Aggressive thoughts, impulses, or behaviors
Compulsive behaviors (the repetitive rituals used to reduce anxiety caused by the obsessions) can become excessive, disruptive, and time consuming, and may interfere with daily activities and relationships.
