OCD is a type of anxiety disorder. It is characterised by the presence of either obsessions or compulsions, but commonly both. An obsession is defined as an unwanted intrusive thought, image or urge that repeatedly enters the child’s mind. Compulsions are repetitive behaviours or mental acts that the child feels driven to perform. A compulsion can either be overt and observable by others, such as checking that a door is locked, or a covert mental act that cannot be observed, such as repeating a certain phrase in one's mind.
It is thought that 1–2% of the entire (adult and child) population have OCD, although some studies have estimated 2–3%.
As with all anxiety disorders, the symptoms of OCD can be a way for a developmentally traumatised child to manage their anxious feelings and can provide a way for a child to like they have some control of their out-of-control internal and external worlds.
Adapted from
NICE (national Institute of Clinical Excellence)
