OCD is an anxiety disorder where obsessions and/or compulsions are experienced that interfere with everyday life. Obsessions are intrusive, unpleasant or distressing thoughts, images or urges that become stuck in your mind.
Compulsions or “rituals” are actions you need to carry out, often repeatedly, to control the obsessions.
There are several individual factors which increase susceptibility to OCD, including being a worrier in general and having a high level of perfectionism and drive. Other vulnerabilities include bullying by peers and highly stressful situations where the young person has little control or must take on a high level of stressful responsibility.
Children and young people can have different obsessional thoughts, but these can include thinking you are carrying germs and unclean, something harmful may happen to you or someone you care about, you may catch an illness, or you may hurt someone.
Compulsions can include lining objects up, repeated checking, excess washing, counting to a certain number whilst completing activities, touching/tapping objects or excessive reassurance-seeking.
Talking to the young person about their worries, such as exam stress, bullying, a bereavement or difficulties with friendships. Encourage the child to try to resist the urge to complete a compulsion until their anxiety goes back down again. There are is more information and resources Young Minds website - OCD Symptoms & Support
It may be helpful to be referred to children and young people’s mental health services if the child is experiencing a high level of distress about their symptoms and this is impeding normal everyday life for them.
Psychological treatments are the first line approach and include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). CBT is an effective approach in young people and studies indicate that up to 80 percent of young people gain remission with this treatment. In cases where there are substantial impairments, an SSRI medication may also be helpful.