Lived experiences of children and adolescents with obsessive–compulsive disorder: interpretative phenomenological analysis

Delay in recognition of symptoms contributes to significant distress to the individual and family in cases where help is sought.There is a need to improve awareness so as to identify the problems early. This will improve help-seeking behaviour and aid in reducing peer victimization.Therapist-related barriers contribute to delays in making a diagnosis.Treatment is likely to positively impact other spheres of the child’s life such as academics and interpersonal relationships and result in more long-term benefits.Bullying in school-context is a common occurrence.