OCD, or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, is a mental health condition made up of obsessions (unwanted repetitive thoughts or urges) and compulsions (actions meant to reduce anxiety caused by obsessions). Here are some common signs and symptoms that may suggest your teen has OCD.
Obsession: Fear of Contamination
A teen living with OCD may be afraid of coming in contact with dirt, germs or messes.
Photo by imallergic Compulsion: Excessive Washing
Your teen may wash something repeatedly whether it’s their hands or a dirt spot, either real or imagined, to cope with a fear of contamination.
Photo by The Italian Voice Obsession: Fear of Harm
If your teen has an irrational fear of harming themselves or others through accidental or unlikely means, this might be a sign of an obsession associated with OCD.
Photo by avlxyz Compulsion: Counting and Ordering
Your teen may count things or put objects in a particular order continually in an effort to reduce anxiety.
Photo by marfis75Obsession: Violence or Aggression
Teens living with OCD may find themselves overcome with urges or impulses to commit violent or aggressive actions against someone else.
Photo by tojosan Compulsion: Repetition
A teen with OCD may repeat actions or behaviors in order to counteract their obsession or prevent it from coming true. This might even become ritualistic.
Photo by aptmetaphor Obsession: Order and Precision
A teen with OCD may become obsessed with ensuring items are ordered and precise (i.e: lining up pens neatly). They may fear negative and sometimes unrelated consequences if things are in disarray.
Photo by Michael CoryCompulsion: Confession
A teen with OCD might also live with the compulsion to constantly confess, apologize or right wrongs that are real or perceived.
Photo by Jennifer Carmen
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