The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
We generally only cite government and peer-reviewed studies
Scientific claims and data are backed by qualified sources
Content is updated to ensure we are citing the most up-to-date data and information
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) has become a buzzword over the years. It is often used by people who prefer to have things in a neat or orderly manner. However, OCD is a serious mental health condition that can cause severe impairment in your teen’s life. It is characterized by unwanted or intrusive thoughts that will not go away (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Many parents think that OCD does not affect teenagers. Contrary to this belief, it is estimated that early onset of OCD occurs in 1-3% of teenagers. These statistics show that there is a growing need for early diagnosis of pediatric OCD.
At Nexus Teen Academy, we understand the importance of mental health treatment. In this article, we will discuss common symptoms of OCD. Apart from OCD symptoms, we will explore its causes and effects. If you are looking for professional help for your teen’s OCD, contact our team at Nexus Teen Academy today.
Teen OCD Symptoms: Obsessions
The primary symptoms of OCD include obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are unwanted urges or thoughts that will not go away. These thoughts or urges can be deeply terrifying, making teenagers anxious. When most people think about OCD, they picture someone who is a germaphobe, someone with an irrational fear of germs or getting sick. A preoccupation or worry about germs is a common obsession among teens with OCD; however, there are many more examples. Other obsessions include the following:
Harm Obsessions
Harm obsessions are another common symptom of OCD. These are unwanted and persistent thoughts about accidentally hurting someone. For example, teens may become anxious about causing a fire while they cook. This prevents them from cooking or lighting a flame of any kind. These thoughts can become distressing because they arise from normal day-to-day activities. Another example of a harm obsession is the fear of running people over. These thoughts impair your teen’s ability to engage in everyday activities.
Perfectionism & Symmetry
Teens with OCD can become obsessed or fixated on the alignment, arrangement, or symmetry of certain things. They become distressed and anxious when things are not balanced or arranged in a certain way. This can make them engage in certain actions that bring balance to their environment. Similarly, they can become preoccupied with ensuring that everything they do is perfect.
Moral or Religious Guilt
Moral or religious guilt is common in teens who have the scrupulosity subtype of OCD. This type of OCD occurs in religious teens. It causes them to have intrusive thoughts about sin or wrongdoing. They often doubt their morality and cling to certain aspects of religion. Teens with this type of OCD frequently try to make up for their perceived wrongdoings through certain compulsive behaviors.
Intrusive Violent Thoughts
OCD can make your teen experience distressing, violent thoughts. Your teen may worry about intentionally harming others. Common violent thoughts include worrying about stabbing or fighting others. It is essential to understand that these thoughts do not signify intent but anxiety. Teens with OCD do not intend to harm others; they only worry about it.
Teen OCD Symptoms: Compulsions
Compulsions or rituals are actions done by teens with OCD to alleviate their obsessions. For example, teens with an obsession with germs tend to wash their hands repeatedly to get rid of their distressing thoughts. Other common rituals in OCD include the following:
Checking
Teens with OCD might experience checking. Checking is the repetitive action of doing certain things to alleviate uncertainty. For example, your teen might repeatedly check doors or locks because they worry they are unlocked. Other teens might keep checking whether the stove is off because they are worried about starting a fire. Checking allows your teen to find reassurance that their environment is safe.
Repeating or Counting
If your teen has OCD, they may repeat certain words or phrases to counteract their intrusive thoughts. For example, teens who have persistent thoughts about violence may repeat the words “stop” or “safe” to alleviate the fear of harming someone. This ritual is designed to ‘cancel out’ their unwanted thoughts.
Some teenagers may also engage in counting rituals to ensure everything is balanced. They may avoid things or steps that end in an odd number. This is usually attributable to the lack of balance in odd numbers.
Ordering and Arranging
In order to achieve balance, your teen may develop a ritual of arranging things in a certain way. They arrange them in neat piles or shapes that have symmetry.
Mental Rituals
Sometimes, rituals are not physical but mental acts. Mental rituals are repeated internal acts that help reduce your teen’s anxiety. Your teen may mentally check their actions to ensure they locked the doors or turned off the stove. They may also engage in repeated prayer for their perceived wrongdoings.
How OCD Symptoms Impact Teen Life
The impact of OCD symptoms in adolescence is widespread. It impairs your teen’s day-to-day life as they cannot continue with their everyday lives without taking care of their obsessive thoughts. This can lead to several issues, including:
Academic Struggles: Obsessions and compulsions can make it difficult to concentrate in class. Perfectionism and test anxiety can also contribute to a decline in academic performance.
Social Struggles: Teens with OCD can struggle to make friends. They often fear being judged by their peers because of their condition. Bullying can also increase the likelihood of social isolation.
Emotional Distress: Obsessive thoughts can be distressing. This causes emotional exhaustion, shame, and depression.
Teen OCD Treatment at Nexus Teen Academy
OCD is a manageable and highly treatable mental health condition. At Nexus Teen Academy, we provide high-quality treatment for Arizona teens with OCD. We offer evidence-based therapy for teens with OCD. At Nexus Teen Academy, we use modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and acceptance and commitment therapy. These modalities are highly effective in helping teens reduce their compulsions and obsessions.
As a parent or guardian, you should take early action to prevent the worsening of OCD symptoms. If you would like to enroll your teen, contact us today and schedule a free tour of our facility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is OCD just about being neat or clean?
Many people think that OCD is just about being neat or clean. However, OCD can manifest differently in different people. It can cause obsessive thoughts about violence, moral guilt, or accidents. Some teens with OCD may not exhibit signs of an obsession with being clean or neat.
Can OCD look different in boys and girls?
OCD can look different in boys and girls. OCD tends to begin earlier in boys than girls. Boys also tend to have symptoms related to moral or religious guilt and blasphemous thoughts. On the other hand, girls are more likely to have contamination-related symptoms.
How is teen OCD diagnosed?
Currently, there is no medical test for OCD. However, a health expert such as a psychiatrist may use the criteria laid down in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) to diagnose OCD.
Is medication necessary in treating OCD?
Medication and psychotherapy are often used together to treat OCD. Some common medications used include serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs), tricyclics, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Can stress or trauma cause OCD?
Stress and trauma increase the risk of developing OCD. Teens who experienced adverse childhood experiences are more likely to develop OCD. Children with associated conditions such as PANS (pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome) and PANDAS (pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections) may also develop OCD in their teens.
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC and nexus_admin
Common OCD Symptoms in Teens
FACT CHECKED
The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
Published By Nexus Teen Academy
Nexus Teen Academy
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Published On June 28, 2025
Table of Contents
OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) has become a buzzword over the years. It is often used by people who prefer to have things in a neat or orderly manner. However, OCD is a serious mental health condition that can cause severe impairment in your teen’s life. It is characterized by unwanted or intrusive thoughts that will not go away (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Many parents think that OCD does not affect teenagers. Contrary to this belief, it is estimated that early onset of OCD occurs in 1-3% of teenagers. These statistics show that there is a growing need for early diagnosis of pediatric OCD.
At Nexus Teen Academy, we understand the importance of mental health treatment. In this article, we will discuss common symptoms of OCD. Apart from OCD symptoms, we will explore its causes and effects. If you are looking for professional help for your teen’s OCD, contact our team at Nexus Teen Academy today.
Teen OCD Symptoms: Obsessions
The primary symptoms of OCD include obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are unwanted urges or thoughts that will not go away. These thoughts or urges can be deeply terrifying, making teenagers anxious. When most people think about OCD, they picture someone who is a germaphobe, someone with an irrational fear of germs or getting sick. A preoccupation or worry about germs is a common obsession among teens with OCD; however, there are many more examples. Other obsessions include the following:
Harm Obsessions
Harm obsessions are another common symptom of OCD. These are unwanted and persistent thoughts about accidentally hurting someone. For example, teens may become anxious about causing a fire while they cook. This prevents them from cooking or lighting a flame of any kind. These thoughts can become distressing because they arise from normal day-to-day activities. Another example of a harm obsession is the fear of running people over. These thoughts impair your teen’s ability to engage in everyday activities.
Perfectionism & Symmetry
Teens with OCD can become obsessed or fixated on the alignment, arrangement, or symmetry of certain things. They become distressed and anxious when things are not balanced or arranged in a certain way. This can make them engage in certain actions that bring balance to their environment. Similarly, they can become preoccupied with ensuring that everything they do is perfect.
Moral or Religious Guilt
Moral or religious guilt is common in teens who have the scrupulosity subtype of OCD. This type of OCD occurs in religious teens. It causes them to have intrusive thoughts about sin or wrongdoing. They often doubt their morality and cling to certain aspects of religion. Teens with this type of OCD frequently try to make up for their perceived wrongdoings through certain compulsive behaviors.
Intrusive Violent Thoughts
OCD can make your teen experience distressing, violent thoughts. Your teen may worry about intentionally harming others. Common violent thoughts include worrying about stabbing or fighting others. It is essential to understand that these thoughts do not signify intent but anxiety. Teens with OCD do not intend to harm others; they only worry about it.
Teen OCD Symptoms: Compulsions
Compulsions or rituals are actions done by teens with OCD to alleviate their obsessions. For example, teens with an obsession with germs tend to wash their hands repeatedly to get rid of their distressing thoughts. Other common rituals in OCD include the following:
Checking
Teens with OCD might experience checking. Checking is the repetitive action of doing certain things to alleviate uncertainty. For example, your teen might repeatedly check doors or locks because they worry they are unlocked. Other teens might keep checking whether the stove is off because they are worried about starting a fire. Checking allows your teen to find reassurance that their environment is safe.
Repeating or Counting
If your teen has OCD, they may repeat certain words or phrases to counteract their intrusive thoughts. For example, teens who have persistent thoughts about violence may repeat the words “stop” or “safe” to alleviate the fear of harming someone. This ritual is designed to ‘cancel out’ their unwanted thoughts.
Some teenagers may also engage in counting rituals to ensure everything is balanced. They may avoid things or steps that end in an odd number. This is usually attributable to the lack of balance in odd numbers.
Ordering and Arranging
In order to achieve balance, your teen may develop a ritual of arranging things in a certain way. They arrange them in neat piles or shapes that have symmetry.
Mental Rituals
Sometimes, rituals are not physical but mental acts. Mental rituals are repeated internal acts that help reduce your teen’s anxiety. Your teen may mentally check their actions to ensure they locked the doors or turned off the stove. They may also engage in repeated prayer for their perceived wrongdoings.
How OCD Symptoms Impact Teen Life
The impact of OCD symptoms in adolescence is widespread. It impairs your teen’s day-to-day life as they cannot continue with their everyday lives without taking care of their obsessive thoughts. This can lead to several issues, including:
Teen OCD Treatment at Nexus Teen Academy
OCD is a manageable and highly treatable mental health condition. At Nexus Teen Academy, we provide high-quality treatment for Arizona teens with OCD. We offer evidence-based therapy for teens with OCD. At Nexus Teen Academy, we use modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and acceptance and commitment therapy. These modalities are highly effective in helping teens reduce their compulsions and obsessions.
As a parent or guardian, you should take early action to prevent the worsening of OCD symptoms. If you would like to enroll your teen, contact us today and schedule a free tour of our facility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Many people think that OCD is just about being neat or clean. However, OCD can manifest differently in different people. It can cause obsessive thoughts about violence, moral guilt, or accidents. Some teens with OCD may not exhibit signs of an obsession with being clean or neat.
OCD can look different in boys and girls. OCD tends to begin earlier in boys than girls. Boys also tend to have symptoms related to moral or religious guilt and blasphemous thoughts. On the other hand, girls are more likely to have contamination-related symptoms.
Currently, there is no medical test for OCD. However, a health expert such as a psychiatrist may use the criteria laid down in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) to diagnose OCD.
Medication and psychotherapy are often used together to treat OCD. Some common medications used include serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs), tricyclics, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Stress and trauma increase the risk of developing OCD. Teens who experienced adverse childhood experiences are more likely to develop OCD. Children with associated conditions such as PANS (pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome) and PANDAS (pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections) may also develop OCD in their teens.