Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Symptoms, Treatment and COVID‑19 Impact on Children

Obsessive‑Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental‑health condition marked by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental rituals (compulsions) that cause intense anxiety and can disrupt work, education, relationships and daily life. The NHS notes that appropriate treatment, such as cognitive‑behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication, can help people manage symptoms and reduce their impact.

During the COVID‑19 pandemic, clinicians have observed heightened reassurance‑seeking behaviours in children with OCD, including excessive online searches, repeated checking of health information, and compulsive use of platforms like TikTok or AI chatbots. Emmily Hovhannisyan of the OCD Center of Los Angeles advises distinguishing values‑driven information‑seeking from fear‑driven compulsions and applying CBT tools to break the cycle of temporary relief followed by renewed anxiety.