Health Topics A-Z

What Are the Symptoms?

A person may have obsessive thoughts, compulsive behavior, or both.

Obsession:

• Involuntary and persistent thoughts that appear to be senseless (such as an overwhelming fear of dirt or persistent worry about a past event) and cause marked anxiety or distress.
• Attempts to suppress such thoughts.
• Recognition that these thoughts come from one's own imagination, not from outside factors (not true for children).

Compulsion:

• Repetitive acts such as hand washing, checking and rechecking locks or electrical appliances cleaning and recleaning, preoccupation with symmetry or repeating words. These acts may be mental behaviors such as counting or praying.
• Recognition that the repetitive behavior is excessive or unreasonable (this may not be true for children).
• Depression and distress as attempts to deal with compulsions fail.

Children:

• Mute behavior with agitated depression.
• Gradual decline in schoolwork, secondary to impaired concentration.
• Withdrawal and social isolation accompanied by delusional thinking.
• Mood swings from anxiety to despair.
• Ritualistic or compulsive behaviors as noted above.

Call Your Doctor If:

You'll need help from a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist if you are experiencing some of the symptoms listed above. Seek professional help if your child is anxious or depressed or has fears of aggression, sexual behavior, contamination, or disorderliness.