In OCD, ritualistic behaviours are often observable in which period?

• A. Childhood
• B. Adulthood
• C. Old age
• D. Infancy

Answer: (A)

Ritualistic behaviors in OCD come from compulsions performed to alleviate distress caused by obsessions. These patterns tend to become noticeable during childhood, when caregivers and teachers first observe repetitive, time-consuming routines such as repeated checking, washing, or strict ordering. While OCD can begin in adolescence or adulthood, childhood is a common period for these rituals to be seen, since early signs are often detected by those who observe the child regularly. Infancy isn’t typically when such persistent, goal-directed rituals are recognized, and although OCD can occur later in life, the question’s focus is on when they are commonly observable, which is during childhood.