Afflicting nearly 4 million Americans, OCD is equally common in men and women and knows no geographic, ethnic, or economic boundaries. Children experiencing obsessions recognize that these persistent images are a product of their own mind and are excessive or unreasonable. Yet, these intrusive thoughts cannot be settled by logic or reasoning. For example, some people may constantly fear bringing harm or injury to themselves or others or worry excessively about germs and contamination. Compulsions - urges to do something to lessen discomfort, usually discomfort that is caused by an obsession.
Rituals are the behaviors in which children engage in response to a compulsion.
In the most severe cases, a constant repetition of rituals may fill the day, making a normal routine impossible. Compounding the anguish these rituals cause is the knowledge that the compulsions are irrational. Repeating - To dispel anxiety, some utter a name, phrase, or behavior several times. They know these repetitions won t actually guard against injury but fear harm will occur if they don t do it. Completing - People with this compulsion must perform a series of complicated behaviors in an exact order or repeat them again and again until they are done perfectly.