{"id":4188,"date":"2022-05-03T11:47:20","date_gmt":"2022-05-03T10:47:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/refhelp\/guidelines\/obsessivecompulsivedisordercamhs\/"},"modified":"2026-01-16T14:46:02","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T14:46:02","slug":"obsessivecompulsivedisordercamhs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/apps.nhslothian.scot\/refhelp\/guidelines\/childandadolescentmentalhealthcamh\/obsessivecompulsivedisordercamhs\/","title":{"rendered":"Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (CAMHS)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety-related condition where the child or young person (CYP) experiences frequent unwanted intrusive thoughts commonly referred to as obsessions<\/strong>. Obsessions are very distressing and the CYP carries out repetitive behaviours or rituals to neutralise the perceived harm or worry the preceding obsessions focus on. These repetitive behaviours are known as compulsions<\/strong> and can include \u2018overt behaviours\u2019 like excessive hand washing and\/or cleaning, checking, tapping, avoiding people, places or objects and constant reassurance seeking as well as hidden mental behaviours like counting, praying, repeating a phrase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compulsions temporarily reduce the distress caused by the intrusive thoughts. However, in the long-term compulsions reinforce the CYP\u2019s original obsession and need to carry out compulsions. This can lead to a gradual worsening cycle of OCD symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

OCD is often associated with significant disruption and impairment in family, social and academic life and can have adverse impacts on psychosocial development.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Developmental Considerations<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most children have routines and exhibit normal age-dependent obsessive-compulsive behaviours. These behaviours are often transient and can be understood in terms of development issues involving mastery and control (like ordering and categorising) or as magical thinking and ritualistic behaviours (avoid stepping on cracks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding the motivation behind the CYP\u2019s behaviours can help recognise if they are OCD-related or just part of normal development. OCD related compulsions are driven by anxiety and distress rather than preference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OCD that is left unchecked and untreated will likely continue to grow. It is therefore recommended patients and families seek professional advice and support as soon as possible. The most effective treatment for treating OCD is Cognitive behavioural Therapy (CBT).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Young people and parents\/carers may want to access online and other resources to learn more about OCD and its treatment options \u2013 please see Resources and Links for detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to arranging help for the child and young person, and as anxiety is a feature of OCD, parents and carers may be helped by the cCBT module on anxiety<\/a>, for use by themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GK & CM 16\/1\/26<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n