To diagnose OCD, the cycle of obsessions and compulsions need to be so extreme that they take a significant amount of time and get in the way of daily activities.

It’s cause is unclear but there appear to be some common factors including differences in the brain structure, a family history of obsessive or compulsive behaviours and significant events in life that cause intense stress at an early age.

These symptoms are often accompanied by feelings associated with General Anxiety Disorder, including an increased heart rate, shallow breathing, dizziness, tingly hands or legs and avoidance of certain situations. As a parent, it is important to remember that these thoughts and behaviours can often be distressing for young people. Encourage the child or adolescent to describe their fears and rituals. Seek support if there are few to no signs of improvement.