What are the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder?
The following are the most common symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: • an extreme preoccupation with dirt, germs, or contamination • repeated doubts (for example, whether or not the door is locked) • obtrusive thoughts about violence, hurting, killing someone, or harming self • spending long periods of time touching things, counting, thinking about numbers and sequences • preoccupation with order, symmetry, or exactness • persistent thoughts of performing repugnant sexual acts or forbidden, taboo behaviors • troubled by thoughts that are against personal religious beliefs • an extreme need to know or remember things that may be very trivial • excessive attention to detail • excessive worrying about something terrible happening • aggressive thoughts, impulses, and/or behaviors Compulsive behaviors (the repetitive rituals used to reduce anxiety caused by the obsessions) can become excessive, disruptive
