Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD): Overview

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Find out the main factors contributing to OCD, its key features, and what you can do to help your child.

Key points

  • OCD is a disorder that causes a person to experience intrusive thoughts and/or repetitive behaviour.
  • The causes of OCD are not fully understood, and no one factor has been identified as causing it. Instead, it is thought to occur due to a combination of factors including, for example, genes and brain structure, temperament, and environmental factors.
  • A child may have OCD on its own or with other mental health conditions such as an anxiety disorder, depression, ADHD or an eating disorder.
  • Speak to your child's health-care provider if you suspect that your child has OCD.
Last updated: outubro 11th 2024