Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) have repetitive obsessive, distressing thoughts and feelings. This can lead to compulsions or rituals that develop as ways to try and manage the unbearable anxiety the child or young person feels. These can take on a force of their own, leaving the sufferer feeling that they HAVE to do these things or something terrible will happen. Rituals can be external, such as hand washing or lining up of objects, or internal, such as counting things.
For further information on OCD please see the following links:
Our new pocket sized guide for young people | OCD-UK (ocduk.org)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder | OCD Symptoms & Support | YoungMinds
Introduction to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder | OCD-UK (ocduk.org)
Overview – Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) – NHS (www.nhs.uk)