OCD Treatment in Los Angeles for Children, Teens & Adults

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is not about being neat or particular. It involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) done to reduce anxiety or prevent something bad from happening.

OCD can show up at any age. The themes may look different in a young child versus an adult, but the pattern is the same: distressing thoughts followed by attempts to feel relief.

Obsessions (Intrusive Thoughts)

Obsessions are thoughts, images, or urges that feel intrusive, unwanted, and hard to dismiss. They often create intense anxiety, guilt, or doubt.

Common themes include:

• Fear of contamination (germs, illness, toxins)

• Fear of harming oneself or others, even accidentally

• Persistent doubt (e.g., “Did I lock the door?” “Did I say something inappropriate?”)

• A strong need for things to feel “just right”

• Intrusive violent, sexual, or taboo thoughts

• Excessive concern about morality, religion, or making mistakes

• Fear of losing control

Adults often recognize these thoughts don’t fully make sense but still feel stuck in them. Children may not have the words to explain what’s happening and may just say, “I have to do it,” or “Something bad will happen.”

Compulsions (Repetitive Behaviors or Mental Rituals)

Compulsions are behaviors or mental acts done to reduce anxiety or neutralize the obsession. They may be visible or completely internal.

Common compulsions include:

• Excessive washing, cleaning, or sanitizing

• Repeated checking (locks, appliances, emails, work tasks)

• Re-reading, rewriting, or over-correcting

• Repeating words, numbers, or prayers silently

• Seeking reassurance from partners, parents, or friends

• Avoiding specific situations, people, or responsibilities

• Mental reviewing of past events to “make sure” nothing wrong happened

The relief that comes from the compulsion is temporary. Over time, the cycle becomes stronger and more time-consuming.