Obsessive-compulsive Disorder

Individuals with this disorder have obsessions (i.e., recurrent, persistent, and intrusive thoughts that cause anxiety or distress) that they try to suppress and neutralize and/or compulsions (i.e., repetitive behaviors) that they feel driven to perform in an attempt to prevent distress or some dreaded event. The person has recognized at some point that the obsessions or compulsions are excessive and unreasonable.

Some Examples of Obsessions and Compulsions Among
Children and Adolescents with OCD

_____________________________________________________

Thought or Behavior                                                 Percentage Reporting
                                                                                            Symptom

_____________________________________________________________

Obsessions (repetitive thoughts)

Concerns with dirt, germs, or toxins                                                                     40

Something terrible happening                                                                               24

Symmetry, order, exactness                                                                                17

Compulsions (repetitive behaviors)

Excessive hand-washing, bathing, tooth brushing, or grooming                              85

Repeating rituals (e.g., in/out of door, up/down steps)                                          51

Checking doors, locks, appliances, car brake, homework                                   46

 


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