Does My Child Have OCD or Just Quirks?

Many children have little rituals, preferences and habits that might raise an eyebrow. Insisting on a specific bedtime routine, arranging toys in a particular order, or needing to touch things a certain number of times. For most children, these are simply quirks, harmless habits that cause no significant distress and fade naturally over time. For others, what looks like a quirk is the beginning of something more significant: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD.



Knowing the difference matters, because OCD that goes unrecognised tends to worsen over time, while OCD that is identified early and treated appropriately responds very well to therapy.

What is OCD?

OCD is an anxiety-based condition characterised by unwanted, intrusive thoughts known as obsessions, and repetitive behaviours or mental acts known as compulsions that are carried out to relieve the distress those thoughts cause. The relief is temporary, and the cycle continues.



It is important to understand that OCD is not about being neat, organised or particular. While some people with OCD do experience obsessions around cleanliness or order, OCD takes many different forms, and many young people with OCD have no interest in tidiness whatsoever. OCD can involve fears about harm coming to loved ones, fears of acting against one's own values, fears of contamination, or intrusive thoughts of many other kinds.

What is the Difference Between a Quirk and OCD?

The most important distinction between a harmless quirk and OCD is the role of distress and the degree of interference with daily life.

A quirk is something a child does out of preference or habit, without significant distress. If the routine is interrupted or the arrangement is disrupted, they may be briefly annoyed but move on without difficulty. The behaviour does not take up significant time, does not cause significant anxiety, and does not interfere with their ability to function normally.



OCD is different. The compulsions in OCD are driven by anxiety rather than preference. The young person does not want to carry out the compulsion, but feels compelled to do so in order to relieve the distress caused by the obsessive thought. If prevented from doing so, the anxiety increases significantly. The behaviours can take up significant amounts of time, cause considerable distress, and interfere meaningfully with everyday life.

Signs That Your Child's Habits May Be OCD

There are several signs that suggest a child's habits or rituals may have crossed into OCD territory. They become very distressed if routines or rituals are interrupted or cannot be completed. The behaviours are taking up increasing amounts of time. They seem to be driven by anxiety or fear rather than preference. Your child expresses intrusive or unwanted thoughts that cause them significant distress. The behaviours are interfering with their ability to attend school, socialise or enjoy everyday activities. The habits are escalating rather than remaining stable or reducing over time.

My Child Hides Their Compulsions. Could It Still Be OCD?

Yes. Many young people with OCD become very skilled at concealing their compulsions, particularly as they get older and become aware that their behaviour is unusual. A child who appears to be managing well at school may be spending significant energy suppressing their OCD throughout the day and then releasing it at home. If your child seems significantly more anxious or distressed at home than their outward presentation suggests, this is worth paying attention to.

What Should I Do If I Think My Child Has OCD?

If you recognise some of what is described here in your child's behaviour, the most important thing is not to ignore it and hope it resolves. OCD tends to worsen without support, and the earlier it is identified and treated the better the outcomes tend to be.



Speaking to your GP is a good first step.

They can assess your child and, if appropriate, refer to CAMHS or advise on other options. If you would prefer not to wait for a CAMHS referral, a specialist private therapist with experience in OCD can carry out their own assessment and begin treatment relatively quickly.

At Sulis Therapies

At Sulis Therapies, we specialise in CBT for OCD in children and young people, delivered online across the UK. Get in touch to arrange a free initial consultation and find out how we can help.