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Obsessive Compulsive
Disorder (OCD) usually begins in adolescence and young adulthood and is
seen in as many as 1 in 200 children and adolescents. OCD is
characterized by repeated obsessions and/or compulsions that are extreme
enough to cause severe discomfort.
Obsessions are unrealistic, or irrational thoughts, impulses or images
that are recurrent and persistent and cause extreme anxiety or distress.
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or rituals (like hand washing,
hoarding, keeping things in order, checking something over and over) or
mental acts (like counting, or repeating words silently).
OCD can cause great anxiety or distress, or they may interfere with the
child’s normal routine, academic functioning, social activities, or
relationships. |
