Symptom Tests for Children

[Self-Test] Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children

Could your child’s repetitive behaviors or intense preoccupations be signs of OCD? Take this quick screening test to determine whether to see a professional for an obsessive compulsive disorder evaluation.

By ADDitude Editors Verified Medically reviewed by Roberto Olivardia, Ph.D. Reviewed on August 14, 2019
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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a serious disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts, repetitive behaviors, and high levels of anxiety that can make everyday situations unbearable — particularly for children with the condition. OCD only affects 1 to 3 percent of adults, but 80 percent of those started showing symptoms before age 18. The disorder is often incorrectly portrayed in the media as merely an obsession with cleanliness, but in reality, it’s a deeply misunderstood condition that can wreak havoc on daily childhood activities like playing with friends, going to school, or enjoying hobbies.

Since OCD symptoms manifest in disparate ways, the disorder can be easily misdiagnosed as ADHD, depression, or generalized anxiety. It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis, as proper treatment for OCD is critical to managing anxiety levels and allowing your child to retain control over her life.

If you think your child’s unwanted obsessions, rituals, or daily anxiety might be due to OCD, take this simple screener test and bring the results to a mental health professional for evaluation.

Adapted from Children’s Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (CY-BOS). This is not a diagnostic tool. If you have concerns about possible OCD see a mental health professional. An accurate diagnosis can only be made through clinical evaluation. This screener is for personal use only.

Even when he seems well, does your child ask you to take his temperature to make sure he’s not sick?

Is your child extremely slow when getting dressed, completing chores, or doing schoolwork?

Does your child have a precious collection of items anyone else would consider trash, like lollipop wrappers or bottle caps?

Does your child have an unusual interest in religious observances and saying prayers over and over?

At dinnertime, has your child ever asked if the food has gone bad or suggested it was poisoned?

Are there certain jersey numbers your child refuses to wear because they are unlucky or unsafe?

Is your child late for school in the morning because you can’t get him out of the shower or the bathroom?

Does your child insist on completing a specific sequence before bed night, and does he become agitated if something interrupts it?

When playing with an electronic toy, does your child switch it on and off over and over?

Does your child refuse to share her toys for fear of contamination from siblings or friends?

When relatives come to visit, does your child avoid being hugged at all costs?

When you are leaving the house for the day, does your child double back to make sure the door is locked?

During homework time, does your child erase sentences and rewrite them over and over until they are “just right?”

Has your child ever revealed fears that her family is in danger?

Do you have to plan short outings because your child refuses to use public bathrooms?


(Optional) Would you like to receive your OCD symptom test results — plus more helpful resources — via email from ADDitude?

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

OCD in Children: Next Steps

1. Take This Test Autism Symptom Test for Children
2. Take This Test General Anxiety Disorder for Children
3. Take This Test Full ADHD Symptoms Test for Children
4. Learn What Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Looks Like in Children
5. Download Is It OCD or ADHD?
6. Read How Is OCD Diagnosed?
7. Find: Specialists or Clinics Near You