Pediatric OCD

Common obsessional themes for sufferers of OCD include contamination issues, the need for symmetry and order, sexual obsessions and obsessions about harming oneself. These compulsions can manifest themselves in a range of ways – common behaviours include washing, repeating, counting, checking, touching, praying and hoarding.

Overt behaviours are relatively easy to diagnose, covert behaviours - such as praying - less so. There can also be a shift in symptoms over time, with some symptoms being replaced by others.

Patients with OCD are also more likely to suffer from separate but related conditions such as tic disorders, disruptive behaviour, specific developmental disorders, depression and anxiety.