Although it has been considered to be rare in children and adolescents, recent studies have reported prevalence rates of 1–3% in children and young people aged 5–15 years.
Obsessions are intrusive thoughts, images, urges or doubts that repeatedly appear in the patient’s mind; for example, thinking that he has been contaminated by dirt and germs, or experiencing a sudden urge to hurt someone. Young people can often (but not always) recognize that their obsessions originate from their own mind, but they are experienced as out of character, and are distressing or anxiety-provoking.
Compulsions are repetitive activities that the patient feel he has to do. This could be something like repeatedly checking a door to make sure it is locked or repeating a specific phrase in his head to prevent harm coming to a loved one.
They can be normal everyday behaviors that are performed in excess (e.g., excessive frequency and intensity) or performed in a ritualized way.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
