When people hear about obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, they usually equate it with those who wash their hands all the time. The International OCD Foundation estimates that one in 200 children in America have OCD and that it interferes with their daily lives in significant ways. While washing hands frequently is an indicator of OCD, any ritual-type behavior can be present. Obsessive thoughts are also part of having this disorder.
Emotional/Social
For children with OCD, many emotional things crop up due to the fact that they don't fully understand why they feel and act the way they do. Kids can feel anxiety until they perform their rituals. Many also feel fear of specific things, such as getting hurt or dying, which lead to their obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Many children suffering from OCD have low self-esteem and excessive anger when people interfere with their behaviors, as well as panic attacks and depression. Schoolchildren with OCD find that their thoughts and behaviors also affect their ability to maintain friendships, fueling their emotional issues.
Thoughts/Obsessions
The obsessions that children with OCD have are usually upsetting to them, leading to the compulsive behavior that is also disturbing. They cannot control their obsessions and feel that only doing the rituals can help them feel better. Common obsessions include germs, the needs for things to be just right or symmetrical, superstitions and numbers. Many children with OCD also present with learning disorders.
Behavioral Compulsions
The obsessions that children have in OCD lead to ritualistic and compulsive behaviors. The rituals are often a means to control the feelings that the obsessive thoughts produce. These rituals include touching things a certain way or number of times, checking something over and over, counting, washing hands repeatedly, and collecting or hoarding things. Kids with OCD also sometimes suffer from eating disorders.
