OCD in Children & Teens: Definition, Symptoms, Treatment

What is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition involving unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that cause distress or anxiety, and repetitive actions or mental rituals (compulsions) performed to try to relieve that discomfort. These behaviours may temporarily reduce anxiety, but they often make symptoms worse over time.

Common OCD themes include fears about germs or contamination, worries about safety, or a strong need for order and symmetry.

For children and teens, OCD symptoms can take up significant time each day, interfere with school, friendships, and family life, and can be difficult for them to explain to others.

OCD signs and symptoms

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) often involves strong worries or fears, such as getting sick from germs, something bad happening to loved ones, or a need for things to feel “just right.” These worries are paired with repetitive patterns, such as:

Constant handwashing
Repeated checking of locks, schoolwork, or routines
Arranging items in a very specific way
Asking the same questions for reassurance

Children and teens may become distressed if they cannot complete these rituals, spend long periods on them, or find it difficult to focus on schoolwork, activities, or play. Over time, these patterns can affect daily routines, friendships, and family life.

OCD in children

In younger children, OCD can sometimes be mistaken for quirks or routines. Signs may include:

Repeated handwashing or avoiding certain objects
Insisting toys or belongings stay arranged in a particular way
Becoming upset if routines or arrangements change
Taking much longer than expected with daily tasks, such as getting dressed or going to bed
Repeatedly asking the same questions for reassurance

These behaviours are not simply habits. They are often driven by worries or discomfort the child feels unable to manage without the ritual.

OCD in teens

In adolescents, OCD can become more complex and time consuming. Signs may include:

Spending long periods redoing assignments or schoolwork
Repeatedly checking things such as stovetops or locks
Avoiding certain activities or places

Intrusive thoughts that feel upsetting or out of character (for example, fears of harming someone, worries about breaking moral or religious rules, or concerns about identity or big life questions)

If obsessive compulsive behaviors are persistent and interfere with your child’s daily life, consulting a psychologist can provide valuable insights and strategies.

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OCD treatment and support

At Red Oak, we support children and teens with obsessive compulsive disorder using evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with exposure and response prevention (ERP).

Therapy is tailored to each child’s developmental stage, with language, examples, and activities that fit their age and level of understanding. Our psychologists focus on your child’s unique profile of obsessions and compulsions, building coping tools that are practical and relevant to daily life.

Collaboration with families is central. We work alongside you to create a supportive environment for practice and growth, helping your child face fears, reduce compulsive behaviours, and build confidence and a sense of control.

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OCD tests

There is no single test for OCD. Diagnosis comes from a comprehensive assessment that includes:

a clinical interview with the child and family
standardized tools such as the Children’s Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS)
questionnaires to screen for co-occurring conditions.
input from parents, teachers, or other professionals to create a full picture to guide the best treatment plan

OCD and ADHD

OCD and ADHD can occur together, and this combination can be challenging for families. ADHD often involves difficulties with attention, impulse control, and organization, while OCD is driven by anxiety and the need to perform rituals or mental routines. It can be hard to know whether a behaviour, such as repeating a task, comes from distractibility or a compulsion.

The two conditions may also influence each other, with OCD making it harder to focus and ADHD making it more difficult to follow through on strategies. Understanding both profiles helps families and clinicians create a plan that supports attention skills, reduces compulsions, and promotes overall well-being.

Learn more about ADHD comorbidities

If you suspect your child is struggling with OCD, we can help you find the right support.

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Parenting a child with OCD

Parenting a child with OCD can be challenging. While it may feel natural to ease anxiety in the moment, accommodating rituals—such as answering reassurance questions—can unintentionally reinforce the cycle.

Parents can play a powerful role by learning strategies from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with exposure and response prevention (ERP) and supporting gradual practice with fears. Keeping communication open, using age-appropriate language, and showing patience helps children feel safe while building coping skills. Progress is often gradual, but with consistent support, children can gain confidence in managing their symptoms.

Common questions about OCD

Is OCD just a phase?

No. OCD is a real, treatable mental health condition—not a personality quirk or something a child will simply “grow out of.”

Will talking about my child’s fears make them worse?

No. In fact, evidence-based treatment encourages talking about obsessions in a safe, structured way. This helps children learn to face their fears without relying on compulsions.

Did I cause my child’s OCD?

No. OCD is not caused by parenting style or anything a parent did or didn’t do. It involves a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors.

Can OCD go away on its own?

It’s unlikely. Without treatment, symptoms often persist or get worse over time. Early intervention offers the best chance for improvement.

Is OCD rare in kids?

No. OCD affects about 1–2% of children and teens, making it more common than many parents realize (source: Anxiety Canada, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children and Teens).

What’s the difference between OCD and “being a perfectionist”?

While some people have traits like wanting things neat or orderly, OCD goes beyond preferences—it causes significant distress and interferes with daily life.

Will my child always have OCD?

OCD is considered a chronic condition, but with the right treatment, many children and teens experience significant symptom reduction and learn to manage it effectively.

Does my child need medication?

Not always. Many children make significant progress with cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP) alone, especially when parents are actively involved in treatment. Medication can be helpful in some cases, particularly if symptoms are severe or other conditions are present.

It’s important to work closely with your child’s primary health care provider to determine the most appropriate medication and dosage. Regular monitoring and open communication can help ensure the best outcomes for your child’s health and well-being.