Obsessive Compulsive Disorder vs. Normal Child Behaviors

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)

Make an Appointment with the Pediatric OCD Program

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.

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