Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental illness characterized by obsessive thoughts that turn into compulsive behavior. While most cases of OCD appear in the late teen and early adult years, children can develop the condition. With that in mind, you may be wondering what are the signs of OCD in children.

Admittedly, symptoms of OCD in children are largely similar to those found in adults. However, some minor differences are worth discussing.

OCD Symptoms in Children

OCD is a type of anxiety disorder that’s characterized by two features: ¹

• Obsessions – Intrusive thoughts, images, and ideas (sometimes about taboo topics, such as violent or sexual obsessions)
• Compulsions – Repetitive behaviors used to neutralize or counteract obsessive thoughts.

Due to these two characteristics, signs of OCD in children will also appear in two ways:

1.) Obsessive Signs

• Aggressive (sometimes sexual) thoughts
• Concentration on household items
• Fear of dirt, germs, or contamination
• Illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis)
• Intrusive sounds or words
• Need for symmetry, order, and precision
• Obsession with lucky and unlucky numbers
• Preoccupation with body wastes
• Religious or spiritual obsession

2.) Compulsive Signs

Will appear in the following rituals:

• Checking (i.e. constantly making sure the door is locked)
• Cleaning
• Counting
• Grooming (i.e. repetitive handwashing, showering, teeth brushing)
• Hoarding or collecting useless objects
• Ordering or arranging objects
• Repetitive (needing to go through spaces in a special way)
• Touching

When Does OCD Appear in Children?

Most people develop OCD in their late teens and young adult years. One study suggests that the cut-off point for OCD onset is about 20 years old. ²

However, OCD can develop earlier or later in life. With that, signs of OCD have been observed in children as young as 5 years old. ³ Still, on average, children with OCD symptoms will develop the condition between seven and 12.

Since children of this age range start to develop concerns about fitting in with friends, OCD symptoms can be extremely detrimental, especially for a child’s social development.

What Triggers OCD in a Child?

Since researchers aren’t 100% sure what causes OCD, they also aren’t concrete on what triggers OCD in children.

As of right now, genetics is the most common reason. In other words, if a close relative to the child (i.e. parent, sibling, etc.) has OCD or another form of anxiety, the child is more likely to develop it. ⁴

However, another reason a child might develop OCD is due to a stressful or traumatic event. One study found that childhood maltreatment is highly prevalent among those who develop OCD later in life. ⁵

5 Tips on How to Parent a Child with OCD

If you wonder how to help a child with OCD at home, there are several ways to do so. Here are our five tips:

1.) Educate Your Child on OCD

Understandably, even with an OCD diagnosis, your child is likely unaware they struggle with a mental health condition. For this reason, it can help to educate both yourself and your child on what OCD is.

More so, it’s key to help them understand how OCD affects their thought process. Naturally, children are unaware that their thought patterns are abnormal and lead to inappropriate behavior. For this reason, a comprehensive conversation on the topic is essential.

If you’re not sure where to begin, there are several children’s books concerning OCD in children.

2.) Give Your Child’s OCD a Name

Even when a child is aware of their OCD, it can be difficult for them to talk about it. More than a lack of understanding, they may be embarrassed by their thoughts and rituals.

For this reason, it can help a child to externalize their OCD. One interactive way to do so is by giving the diagnosis a creative name, such as “Mr. Worry” or “Mr. Bossy.” If they have a subtype of OCD, “Mr. Germs” or “Mr. Numbers” may be more appropriate.

3.) Don’t Burden Your Child with Their OCD

Once you learn more about OCD, you’ll see more signs in your child. As such, you may burden them by constantly pointing out their rituals. This is dangerous for two reasons:

1. It overlooks the challenges your child has successfully overcome.
2. It makes it seem as though OCD is an easy fix.

Furthermore, pointing out your child’s rituals may cause them to become more secretive of their OCD. In turn, the long process of treatment will only be further inhibited.

4.) Don’t Participate in Your Child’s Rituals

Some parents may find themselves getting involved in their child’s rituals. For example, if your child fears contamination, you may allow them to always wash their hands, even if it inhibits activities you’re currently participating in.

Naturally, this tells the child that the rituals are okay and approved by an adult. For this reason, it’s important to recognize and prevent yourself from participating in rituals.

Going back to the OCD names we laid out above, you can tell your child something along the lines of “I’m not helping Mr. Worry today.”

5.) Prevent New Rituals From Developing

If your child’s OCD goes untreated, chances are they’ll develop new compulsive behaviors. In such cases, it’s in your best interest to watch for new rituals.

If you notice a new ritual develop, it can help to 1.) bring it to your child’s attention and 2.) discuss how this is a product of OCD. Again, you can use the OCD names discussed above by telling your child something along the lines of, “This is Mr. Worry talking again.”

Final Word

While you help a child with OCD at home, it’s important to also ensure they keep on top of treatment. With the aid of a medical professional, OCD symptoms can be overcome, allowing a child to live a fulfilling life.

This process of treatment works more naturally when a parent is intimately involved. Understand what OCD is, what the signs of OCD in children are, and what you can do to help your child.

Signs of OCD in Children FAQs

References

¹ Brock H, Rizvi A, Hany M. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. 2024 Feb 24. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–. PMID: 31985955.

² Anholt GE, Aderka IM, van Balkom AJ, Smit JH, Schruers K, van der Wee NJ, Eikelenboom M, De Luca V, van Oppen P. Age of onset in obsessive-compulsive disorder: admixture analysis with a large sample. Psychol Med. 2014 Jan;44(1):185-94. doi: 10.1017/S0033291713000470. Epub 2013 Mar 21. PMID: 23517651.

³ Garcia AM, Freeman JB, Himle MB, Berman NC, Ogata AK, Ng J, Choate-Summers ML, Leonard H. Phenomenology of Early Childhood Onset Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. J Psychopathol Behav Assess. 2009 Jun;31(2):104-111. doi: 10.1007/s10862-008-9094-0. PMID: 20198131; PMCID: PMC2830071.

⁴ Nestadt G, Grados M, Samuels JF. Genetics of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2010 Mar;33(1):141-58. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2009.11.001. PMID: 20159344; PMCID: PMC2824902.

⁵ Boger S, Ehring T, Berberich G, Werner GG. Impact of childhood maltreatment on obsessive-compulsive disorder symptom severity and treatment outcome. Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2020 Jun 8;11(1):1753942. doi: 10.1080/20008198.2020.1753942. PMID: 33488994; PMCID: PMC7803079.