What is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) causes upsetting thoughts called obsessions. It also causes the urge to do behaviours called compulsions (also called rituals). People with OCD get stuck in a stressful cycle of these thoughts, anxiety, and rituals.

Compulsions (Rituals)

These are behaviours someone with OCD will do, trying to feel better. These, rituals seem like the best way to stop thoughts and relieve fears. They seem like a way to keep bad things from happening.

People with OCD might:

• touch, tap, or step in unusual ways
• arrange things over and over
• repeat words, phrases, or questions
• have many doubts, and trouble making choices
• wash or clean more than needed
• take a long time to do things — like get dressed, shower, eat, do homework

Someone with OCD might ask for reassurance over and over. They might want themselves, or someone else,  to say or do something a set number of times, or in a set way.

Who can have OCD?

Children, teenagers and adults can all have OCD

What can I do if I think I have OCD?

If you have upsetting thoughts or feel that you have rituals that you have to perform to feel better, talk to your adults at home or your teacher.