The following compares behaviors in children and adolescents with and without OCD.
| OCD Behaviors | Developmentally Appropriate Behaviors |
|---|---|
| Are time-consuming. | Aren't overly time-consuming. |
| Are disruptive of normal routine. | Don't interfere with routine. |
| Create distress or frustration. | Create enjoyment or sense of mastery. |
| Make child believe he or she has to do them. | Are habits the child wants to do. |
| Appear bizarre or unusual. | Appear ordinary. |
| Become more elaborate and demanding with time. | Become less important and change over time. |
| Must be executed precisely to prevent adverse consequences. | Can be skipped or changed without consequences. |
Source: Chansky, Freeing Your Child From OCD (2000)
To a schedule an evaluation of your child's symptoms to see if they meet the criteria for an OCD diagnosis, or to discuss OCD treatment options, call 412-235-5354.
