• Mental Health
    • Anxiety
      • What is Anxiety?
      • Types of Anxiety Disorders
      • Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety
      • Treatments for Anxiety
      • Anxiety Statistics
      • See More Anxiety Content
      • Find an Anxiety Specialist
    • Depression
      • What is Depression?
      • Types of Depression
      • Signs & Symptoms of Depression
      • Treatments for Depression
      • Depression Statistics
      • Find a Depression Specialist
    • Bipolar Disorder
      • What is Bipolar Disorder?
      • Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
      • Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
      • What Are Bipolar Disorder Cycles?
      • Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
      • Find a Bipolar Disorder Specialist
    • ADHD
      • What is ADHD?
      • ADHD Signs & Symptoms
      • ADHD & Depression
      • Find an ADHD Specialist
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
      • Anorexia
      • Bulimia
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Gender Dysphoria
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
  • Mental Health
    • Anxiety
      • What is Anxiety?
      • Types of Anxiety Disorders
      • Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety
      • Treatments for Anxiety
      • Anxiety Statistics
      • See More Anxiety Content
      • Find an Anxiety Specialist
    • Depression
      • What is Depression?
      • Types of Depression
      • Signs & Symptoms of Depression
      • Treatments for Depression
      • Depression Statistics
      • Find a Depression Specialist
    • Bipolar Disorder
      • What is Bipolar Disorder?
      • Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
      • Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
      • What Are Bipolar Disorder Cycles?
      • Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
      • Find a Bipolar Disorder Specialist
    • ADHD
      • What is ADHD?
      • ADHD Signs & Symptoms
      • ADHD & Depression
      • Find an ADHD Specialist
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
      • Anorexia
      • Bulimia
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Gender Dysphoria
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
Skip to content

OCD in Children: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments

Published: October 1, 2021 Updated: January 25, 2023
Published: 10/01/2021 Updated: 01/25/2023
Headshot of Emily Guarnotta, PsyD
Written by:

Emily Guarnotta

PsyD
Dena Westphalen, PharmD
Reviewed by:

Dena Westphalen

PharmD
  • How Common Is OCD In Kids?Prevalence
  • OCD Symptoms In ChildrenSymptoms
  • Changes in Behavior to Look Out ForSigns
  • Causes of OCD in ChildrenCauses
  • Who Can Diagnose a Child With OCDDiagnosis
  • Treating & Managing OCD In ChildrenTreatment
  • Ways Parents Can Help Their Child Cope With OCD5 Tips
  • Final Thoughts on OCD in KidsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
Headshot of Emily Guarnotta, PsyD
Written by:

Emily Guarnotta

PsyD
Dena Westphalen, PharmD
Reviewed by:

Dena Westphalen

PharmD

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder that can affect children, teens, and adults. OCD involves obsessions and/or compulsions that are hard to control and cause stress in a child’s life. Childhood OCD is treated using a combination of therapy, medication, and parent support.

How Common Is OCD In Kids?

Childhood obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) affects around 3% of children and teens.1 People with OCD experience obsessions (anxious, intrusive thoughts) and/or compulsions (behaviors in response to these thoughts that are difficult to control).2 Children with OCD believe that doing these compulsions will prevent bad things or reduce anxiety. While these behaviors may temporarily alleviate anxiety, obsessive thoughts eventually return, resulting in a vicious cycle.

If you notice your child expressing intrusive thoughts or engaging in compulsive behaviors, you might start to worry that they have OCD; however, it is important to note that OCD is more than just double-checking or occasional anxious thoughts and odd rituals. Many people who don’t have OCD experience mild intrusive thoughts or urges to do compulsive acts at times.

For a person with OCD, obsessive thoughts and compulsions are overwhelming, time-consuming, and hard to control.2 If children’s obsessions and compulsions take up more than one hour a day, cause them distress, and interfere with several areas of their lives, then they may have OCD.

NOCD: Effective, Affordable & Convenient OCD Therapy

Do live, face-to-face video sessions with a therapist specialized in treating OCD and get 24/7 support between sessions. NOCD is covered by many insurance plans and available nationwide.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by NOCD.

Visit NOCD

OCD Symptoms In Children

OCD involves obsessions and/or compulsions that are beyond mild worry or checking. They take up significant time, occur regularly, and affect several areas of a child’s life. While children, teens, and adults can all experience OCD, the type of obsessions and compulsions that are commonly experienced by children and teens with OCD may be different than adults.

5 Common Obsessions

Obsessions are intrusive ideas, thoughts, images, or impulses.3 They’re difficult to control and cause significant anxiety. The content of people’s obsessions vary and can change over time. Some people with good insight may be aware that their obsessions are irrational and untrue, while others may not have this awareness.

Five common obsessions in children with OCD include:3,4

  1. Fear of germs or contamination
  2. Worry about harming themselves or others
  3. Need for symmetry or order, like having objects lined up perfectly (often a sign of symmetry OCD or “just right” OCD)
  4. Fear that something bad will happen if things aren’t done right, such as having to touch a doorknob three times every time they leave the house
  5. Intrusive thoughts related to religion, such as excessive worry about sinning

7 Common Compulsions

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or acts that a person does to help alleviate the anxiety caused by obsessions.3 A child with OCD may get some short-term relief from their anxiety after doing the compulsive act, but the anxiety eventually returns. This causes an ongoing cycle of obsessions and compulsions.

Seven common compulsions in kids with OCD include:3,4

  1. Excessive hand washing or cleaning
  2. Checking objects, like making sure a doorknob is locked numerous times
  3. Avoiding certain things, like cracks in a sidewalk
  4. Repeating a word or phrase
  5. Doing a task a certain number of times
  6. Doing tasks in a specific order
  7. Hoarding

Changes in Behavior to Look Out For

Children with OCD might be embarrassed by and try to hide their obsessions and compulsions.1 This can make it difficult to detect whether or not your child is struggling with OCD. If you notice an increase in anxiety and new behaviors or rituals, then it’s possible; however, a diagnosis from a healthcare professional is the only way to know for sure.

Parents or caregivers who are concerned about OCD in their child should look for:1

  1. Excessive worry and anxiety
  2. Changes in the child’s habits
  3. Difficulty concentrating
  4. Hard time making decisions
  5. Decrease in school performance
  6. Less interest in activities or hobbies that they once enjoyed
  7. Spending less time with friends and family

Treatment For OCD

NOCD: Effective, Affordable & Convenient OCD Therapy – NOCD therapists specialize in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy, the most effective OCD treatment. Treatments are covered by many insurance plans, Visit NOCD


Talkiatry: Virtual psychiatry – Get OCD help from a real doctor that takes your insurance. Talkiatry offers medication management and online visits with top-rated psychiatrists. Take the online assessment and have your first appointment within a week. Free Assessment


Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by NOCD and Talkiatry.

Causes of OCD in Children

Causes of childhood OCD aren’t fully understood, but professionals believe it’s influenced by a combination of biological, environmental, and psychological factors.1 Children and adults with OCD display differences in certain parts of the brain, like the frontal cortex, when compared to people without OCD. But more research needs to be conducted to fully understand how brain structure and functioning affect OCD development.5

Genetics also appears to play a role, as people who have a first-degree relative, like a parent, child, or sibling with OCD are more likely to develop it themselves. Environmental and psychological factors are believed to influence the development of OCD in children, too. Some studies have found a connection between childhood trauma and abuse and OCD.6 Again, more research is needed to fully understand the connection.

In rare cases, children can develop symptoms of OCD after contracting streptococcal infections.1 This condition is called pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS). When this happens, symptoms tend to come on gradually over a period of months or years. The treatment for PANS is the same as OCD that is caused by other factors.

Who Can Diagnose a Child With OCD

If you’re concerned that your child may have OCD, start by speaking to your child’s pediatrician. They’ll be able to evaluate your child and determine whether they should be referred to a mental health professional for further assessment. Keep in mind that the average age that children begin experiencing symptoms of OCD is 10, but children as young as four or five can also develop OCD.6

The following people can diagnose OCD in children:

  • Psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner
  • Psychologist
  • Social worker
  • Mental health counselor
  • Therapist

To establish a diagnosis of OCD, a mental health provider will conduct an assessment. This may take place over one or more appointments. The provider will ask you and your child questions and may ask to speak with other people who know them well, like your child’s teacher or school guidance counselor. If they determine that your child does have OCD, they will talk to you about the types of treatments available and what they recommend specifically.

Treating & Managing OCD In Children

Treatment for OCD in children may involve therapy, medication, or both.7 Child and teen therapy for OCD can help them learn how to tolerate the anxiety caused by their obsessions without engaging in compulsions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is widely used and effective for the treatment of OCD in kids. A specific technique from CBT called exposure and response prevention (ERP) might also be used.8 During an ERP therapy session for COD, a therapist exposes a child to situations that may trigger their obsessive thoughts. The therapist helps them cope with their anxiety without resorting to compulsive behaviors.

For example, if a child is struggling with obsessive thoughts about feeling dirty, the therapist will coach them through how to manage their anxiety without washing their hands. The goal of therapy for childhood OCD is to reduce children’s obsessive thoughts and need to engage in compulsive behaviors, so they can live a more comfortable and satisfying life.

Medication

Medication is typically the most effective when combined with therapy. Certain antidepressants, like sertraline and clomipramine, have been found to be effective.9 A psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner who specializes in working with children would be able to discuss the pros and cons of medication and help you determine whether it should be added to your child’s treatment.

Family Therapy

Children interact with many people on a regular basis, so involving these people in treatment can be helpful. A therapist may coordinate with your child’s pediatrician, school counselor, and teacher to provide better care. As a parent or primary caregiver, you also play a crucial role in your child’s recovery from OCD, so a therapist will usually request that you participate in family therapy sessions.

5 Ways Parents Can Help Their Child Cope With OCD

As a parent, you play a significant role in helping your child cope with OCD. In conjunction with therapy and medication, you can take steps to help your child work through their anxiety and reduce their obsessions and compulsions.

Here are five ways to help your child cope with OCD:

1. Avoid Going Along With or Accommodating Your Child’s Rituals

When a child has OCD, it’s common for their compulsions to involve the family. Though accommodating these compulsions will lessen your child’s anxiety in the short-term, it will only make things worse. With the guidance of a mental health professional, work on stopping your participation in your child’s compulsions either gradually or cold turkey.

2. Educate Yourselves on Coping Skills

You and your child can benefit from learning tools for coping with anxiety, like deep breathing and mindfulness. Consider taking a yoga or art class, or find another positive coping activity that you can both do together.

3. Model Good Coping

Your child looks to you as a role model, so be sure that you are modeling how to deal with your own anxiety. If you’re feeling stressed, use the coping skills that you learned together so they can see them working in action.

4. Get Professional Treatment for Your Child

If your child is experiencing OCD and unable to improve with your help, don’t hesitate to find a therapist. Therapy can help them manage their anxiety and cope with their obsessions and compulsions.

5. Seek Help for Yourself

If you’re feeling sad, worried, or overwhelmed by your child’s OCD, you can benefit from getting help, too. Therapy can provide an opportunity to learn ways to cope with your child’s anxiety and support them while also caring for yourself. This also models good habits for your child.

Final Thoughts on OCD in Kids

If your child has OCD, it can be a struggle for both of you. Remember that you are not alone and help is available. Consider reaching out to a therapist, trusted friend, family member, or another source of support. Getting help is an important step in your child’s recovery.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

OCD Therapy

NOCD: Effective, Affordable, & Convenient OCD Therapy Do live, face-to-face video sessions with a therapist that specializes in treating OCD and get 24/7 support between sessions. NOCD is covered by many insurance plans and is available nationwide. Visit NOCD

Virtual Psychiatry

Talkiatry Get help from a real doctor that takes your insurance. Talkiatry offers medication management and online visits with top-rated psychiatrists. Take the online assessment and have your first appointment within a week. Free Assessment

Choosing Therapy Directory

You can search for therapists by specialty, experience, insurance or price, and location. Find a therapist today.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by NOCD and Talkiatry.

For Further Reading

  • Child Mind Institute
  • International OCD Foundation
  • Anxiety and Depression Association of America
  • Best Online OCD Resources
9 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Sarvet, B. (2013). Childhood obsessive compulsive disorder. Pediatrics in Review, 34(1), 19-28.

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, March). Obsessive-compulsive disorder in children. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/ocd.html

  • Kalra, S. K., & Swedo, S. E. (2009). Children with obsessive-compulsive disorder: Are they just “little adults”?. The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 119(4), 737–746.

  • Butwicka, A., & Gmitrowicz, A. (2010). Symptom clusters in obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD): Influence of age and age of onset. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 19(4), 365-370.

  • National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.) Obsessive-compulsive disorder. Retrieved from: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd#part_2229

  • Brezinka, V., Mailänder, V., & Walitza, S. (2020). Obsessive compulsive disorder in very young children–A case series from a specialized outpatient clinic. BMC Psychiatry, 20(1), 1-8.

  • Abramowitz, J. S., Whiteside, S. P., & Deacon, B. J. (2005). The effectiveness of treatment for pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder: A meta-analysis. Behavior Therapy, 36(1), 55-63.

  • Foa E. B. (2010). Cognitive behavioral therapy of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 12(2), 199–207.

  • Gentile, S. (2011). Efficacy of antidepressant medications in children and adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder: A systematic appraisal. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 31(5), 625-632.

Recent Articles

School Anxiety: Symptoms, Causes, & How to Help
School Anxiety: Symptoms, Causes, & How to Help
There are many types of anxiety disorders that a child or teen may experience. However, school anxiety can be...
';
Do Parents Really Have Favorites_ X Things to Consider
Do Parents Really Have Favorites? 6 Things to Consider
While ideally, parents would treat kids equally, favoritism does happen in families. Unequal treatment of children can change over...
';
Excoriation (Skin-Picking Disorder): Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Excoriation (Skin-Picking Disorder): Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Excoriation disorder, also referred to as the skin-picking disorder, is considered as a non-suicidal form of self-injury. This disorder...
';
Trichophagia (Rapunzel Syndrome): Symptoms, Health Risks, & Treatments
Trichophagia (Rapunzel Syndrome): Symptoms, Health Risks, & Treatments
Trichophagia involves eating hair and is associated with trichotillomania (hair pulling). It can result in serious medical consequences and...
';
Rumination: Definition, Causes, & 8 Tips for Coping
Rumination: Definition, Causes, & 10 Tips for Stopping
Rumination is a cycle of negative thinking that interferes in someone’s life. It starts as a coping mechanism to...
';
ADHD: Signs, Symptoms, & What to Watch For
ADHD Symptoms & Signs: What to Watch For
Typically identified in childhood, symptoms of ADHD need to be evident across multiple settings and caregivers in order for...
';
Headshot of Emily Guarnotta, PsyD
Written by:

Emily Guarnotta

PsyD
Dena Westphalen, PharmD
Reviewed by:

Dena Westphalen

PharmD
  • How Common Is OCD In Kids?Prevalence
  • OCD Symptoms In ChildrenSymptoms
  • Changes in Behavior to Look Out ForSigns
  • Causes of OCD in ChildrenCauses
  • Who Can Diagnose a Child With OCDDiagnosis
  • Treating & Managing OCD In ChildrenTreatment
  • Ways Parents Can Help Their Child Cope With OCD5 Tips
  • Final Thoughts on OCD in KidsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
If you are in need of immediate medical help:
Medical
Emergency
911
Suicide Hotline
800-273-8255
See more Crisis Hotlines
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • No Surprises Act
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
988
Click For More Crisis Hotlines
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
811
See more Crisis Hotlines
here
logo
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.
Choosing Therapy Logo
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit Cookie Settings to provide controlled consent. Cookie settings ACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

We use cookies to facilitate website functionality. Also, we use third-party cookies to track your website behavior and target advertising. These cookies are stored in your browser only with your consent, and you have the choice of opting out.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non Necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

Save & Accept