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Obsessive-complusive disorder: pharmacological treatment
1Psychiatric Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital of Aarhus, Denmark.
European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
|January 5, 2001
Summary
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are effective first-line treatments for childhood obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Discontinuation of SSRIs can be attempted after 1-1.5 years of successful treatment.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disabling condition in children and adolescents requiring pharmacotherapy.
- Serotonin plays a crucial role in OCD, and antidepressants targeting serotonin are effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy and tolerability of psychopharmacological treatments for pediatric OCD.
- To provide guidance on the selection and duration of pharmacotherapy for OCD in young patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of empirical treatment studies and systematic reviews on pharmacotherapy for pediatric OCD.
- Analysis of SSRI efficacy, tolerability, and comparison with other agents like clomipramine.
- Consideration of adjunctive therapies and long-term treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the recommended first-line treatment for pediatric OCD, demonstrating effectiveness and good tolerability.
- Sertraline is the most documented SSRI, with fluoxetine and fluvoxamine also showing efficacy.
- Approximately 75% of pediatric OCD patients respond to SSRI treatment.
Conclusions:
- SSRIs are effective and well-tolerated for treating OCD in children and adolescents.
- Combination therapy with medication and cognitive behavioral therapy is often important.
- Discontinuation of medication can be considered after 1-1.5 years of successful treatment, as not all cases follow a lifelong course.