Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Have you ever noticed your child repeat the same action, like checking a lock or scrubbing their hands raw? As harmless as they may seem, these could actually be OCD rituals—your child’s way to cope with intrusive thoughts that make their world feel out of control.
In reality, these rituals aren’t calming; they’re coping mechanisms from a brain stuck in overdrive, grasping for temporary relief.
From years of working with OCD kids, I’ve learned that these rituals only trap them in an endless cycle. Let me help you support your child—because when parents understand OCD, real healing begins.
What are OCD compulsions?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder(OCD) often appears as rituals—repetitive acts driven by anxiety. These compulsions are urgent behaviors performed to ease fear or prevent a feared outcome (Foa et al., 2012), which can become time-consuming when not doing them “just right” triggers even more distress (Bouvard et al., 2020; Bucarelli & Purdon, 2015).
And as OCD becomes more common, many families struggle to find mental health experts properly trained to diagnoseand treat it effectively—making understanding OCDrituals a crucial first step toward recognition and treatment.
Real-Life Example: Sarah’s Story
I worked with Sarah, an 11-year-old who couldn’t leave the house without checking her school bag at least ten times. She was caught in the fear of forgetting something important and getting into trouble, which made her repeatedly check her things—only feeling “sure” after unpacking and repacking multiple times.
Though these rituals provided temporary relief, they kept her stuck in a cycle that made mornings a daily struggle.
Sarah’s story clearly shows how OCD involves two key features working together:
- Obsessions: intrusive, anxiety-provoking thoughts
- Compulsions: repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing that anxiety
What are Common Examples of OCD Rituals?
Children and teens with OCDoften engage in various compulsive behaviors to cope with intrusive thoughts. Here are some common examples of OCD rituals:
1. Handwashing OCD Rituals
- Most common compulsion associated with OCD.
- Excessive handwashing driven by fears of germs or contamination (Pinciotti et al., 2023).
- Insisting on a precise sequence, like scrubbing each finger a specific number of times.
- Belief that cleanliness will prevent harm or illness.
2. Checking Behaviors and Rituals
- Repeatedly checking doors, windows, or appliances to ensure they are locked or turned off, even when in a rush.
- Reviewing homework, emails, or belongings multiple times to avoid mistakes or forgetting something.
- Rooted in fears of causing harm or making critical errors.
3. Counting Rituals
- Counting steps, tiles, or objects in a specific pattern to feel “safe.”
- Repeating actions like tapping or blinking a certain number of times.
- Based on magical thinking that numbers or patterns can prevent bad outcomes.
4. Tapping or Touching Rituals
- Tapping furniture, walls, or objects a set number of times.
- Touching body parts or items in a mirrored or symmetrical pattern.
- Often used to relieve discomfort or maintain a sense of balance.
5. Ordering and Arranging Rituals
- Aligning toys, books, or furniture perfectly, sometimes spending hours rearranging.
- Insisting on exact order or placement of items.
- Driven by a belief that disorder will cause negative consequences.
6. Mental Rituals
- Silently repeating words, phrases, or prayers to neutralize distressing thoughts.
- Engaging in mental counting or “fixing” bad thoughts to prevent imagined dangers.
- Used to cope with overwhelming or threatening intrusive thoughts.
7. Symmetry and Precision Rituals
- Adjusting objects repeatedly until perfectly symmetrical.
- Repeating precise movements to feel balanced or “right.”
- Stemming from fears that imbalance or disorder leads to unease or catastrophe.
8. Reassurance-Seeking Rituals
- Constantly asking parents or teachers if they are “doing it right.”
- Seeking repeated validation for decisions or actions, even when unnecessary.
- Rooted in fear of uncertainty and a need for external comfort.
9. Avoidance Rituals
- Avoiding people, places, or activities that trigger obsessive thoughts.
- Steering clear of situations like crowded spaces to reduce anxiety.
- Often disrupts daily life but is used to escape distressing feelings.
10. Magical Thinking Rituals
- Wearing “lucky” clothing or repeating certain words to avoid harm.
- Avoiding cracks on sidewalks or performing superstitious actions to prevent disasters.
- Based on the false belief that unrelated actions can control real events.
Why Does My Child Feel Compelled to Do These Rituals?
When a child’s nervous system is dysregulated, their brain misreads intrusive thoughts as real threats, triggering intense fear and anxiety. These distressing feelings don’t just pass as the brain demands relief.
That’s when compulsionskick in. Rituals aren’t random—they’re the brain’s desperate attempt to feel safe.
Research shows OCD behaviors stem from neurological differences, not bad behavior. Remember, these kids aren’t choosing these rituals; they’re trying to calm a brain stuck in overdrive.
What is the Difference Between Obsessions and Compulsions?
| Aspect | Obsessions | Compulsions |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Intrusive, unwanted thoughts or fears | Repetitive behaviors or mental acts to reduce anxiety |
| Purpose | Trigger anxiety and emotional discomfort | Provide temporary relief from obsessive thoughts |
| Examples | “What if I get sick?” “What if I hurt someone?” | Excessive handwashing, checking locks, counting, praying |
| Control Level | Feel outside of the child’s control | Feel necessary even when irrational |
| Role in OCD | The “why” — thoughts behind the distress | The “what” — actions trying to manage the obsession |
| Impact | Causes distress and fuels compulsive behavior | Reinforces obsessions, disrupts daily functioning |
What are the Treatment Options to Manage OCD Symptoms?
OCD rituals may seem like your child’s way to cope but they only offer a temporary relief that keeps them stuck in a frustrating OCD cycle, making daily life harder and robbing your child of a true sense of control.
The good news? Effective treatments exist and can break this cycle.
The best approach combines:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT): Helps children reframe obsessive thoughts and reduce their impact on feelings and behavior.
- Exposure and Response Prevention(ERP): A key part of CBT, ERP gently guides children to face their fears in a safe, controlled way (Abramowitz, 1996). Research shows many clinicians report using ERP“often” or “always” when treating children with OCD, highlighting its central role in effective care (Keleher et al., 2019).
Real-Life Example: Jake’s Story
I remember working with Jake, a 9-year-old overwhelmed by his fear of germs that he couldn’t touch desks or doorknobs without immediately scrubbing his hands raw. We began exposure therapy by having him place his hand on a “dirty” surface and resist washing.
Jake was anxious at first, scared of getting sick. With gentle reassurance and practice, he realized nothing bad happened when he resisted the urge.
Gradually, his brain grew used to the discomfort, and those intense compulsions started to fade away.
What Natural Solutions Support the Healing Process?
At my Ridgefield, CT clinic, our signature BrainBehaviorReset™ Programblends natural, science-backed methods with therapy to help regulate brain and nervous system function. This includes:
- Neurofeedbackand PEMFTherapy – calming the brain and easing nervous system dysregulation, setting the stage for healing.
- Magnesium Supplements– supporting brain health while naturally reducing anxiety.
- CBT and ERP Therapy— targeting obsessions and compulsions, giving kids tools to manage symptoms effectively.
OCD doesn’t define your child—it’s only one chapter in their mental health journey. The real key to breaking free lies in the right support and tools.
Remember, your child is more than their OCD. They’re brave, capable, and worthy of a life packed with joy and discovery.
With guidance, they can overcome challengesand step into a world where confidence and empowerment shine.
You’re not walking this path alone—parents and professionals stand beside you, cheering every step forward. Keep pushing forward.
The future shines bright for your incredible kid!
Parent Action Steps
FAQs
What exactly qualifies as an OCD ritual?
An OCD ritual is a repeated behavior or mental act performed in response to an intrusive thought, aimed at reducing anxiety or preventing a feared event. These rituals go beyond simple habits, often feeling urgent and time-consuming.
Are OCD rituals different from regular routines?
Yes—routines bring comfort and structure, while OCD rituals feel urgent and anxiety-driven. If your child gets distressed when a routine is disrupted, it could be a red flag.
Do all kids with OCD have visible rituals?
No—some kids have “mental compulsions,” like repeating silent prayers or mental counting. These can be harder to detect but are just as disruptive.
Citations
Abramowitz, J. S. (1996). Variants of exposure and response prevention in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: A meta-analysis. Behavior Therapy, 27(4), 583–600.https://doi.org/10.1016/s0005-7894(96)80045-1
Bouvard, M., Fournet, N., Denis, A., Achachi, O., & Purdon, C. (2020). A study of the Repeated Actions Diary in patients suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 27(2), 228–238.https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.2422
Bucarelli, B., & Purdon, C. (2015). A diary study of the phenomenology and persistence of compulsions. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 49, 209–215. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbtep.2015.01.001
Foa, E. B., Yadin, E., & Lichner, T. K. (2012). Exposure and response (ritual) prevention for obsessive compulsive disorder : therapist guide. Oxford University Press.
Keleher, J., Jassi, A., & Krebs, G. (2019). Clinician-reported barriers to using exposure with response prevention in the treatment of paediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 24, 100498. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocrd.2019.100498
Pinciotti, C. M., Bulkes, N. Z., Bailey, B. E., Storch, E. A., Abramowitz, J. S., Fontenelle, L. F., & Riemann, B. C. (2023). Common rituals in obsessive-compulsive disorder and implications for treatment: A mixed-methods study. Psychological assessment, 35(9), 763–777. https://doi.org/10.1037/pas0001254
Dr. Roseannis an OCD mental health expert who frequently is in the media:
- Insider: What is OCD?
- Single CareControlling the uncontrollable: Living with OCD during a pandemic
- Holistic Counseling Podcast:Effective Treatments for OCD
- Epidemic Answers:Neurofeedback for ADHD, anxiety, OCD and mood
- BCIA:Calming the OCD Brain with Neurofeedback and ERP Therapy
- Integrative Practitioner: Integrative Approaches to Treating OCD
- HappiHuman:Is it an Eating Disorder or OCD
Always remember… “Calm Brain, Happy Family™”
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to give health advice and it is recommended to consult with a physician before beginning any new wellness regime. *The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment vary by patient and condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC does not guarantee certain results.
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