Correlates of insight among youth with obsessive-compulsive disorder

Individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) may lack insight into the irrational nature of their symptoms. Among adults with OCD, poor insight has been linked to greater symptom severity, increased likelihood of comorbid symptoms, lower adaptive functioning, and worse treatment outcomes. Parallel work regarding insight among children and adolescents, with OCD, is lacking. The aim of this research was to examine links between insight and demographic, cognitive, and clinical factors among youth with OCD.

Seventy-one youths with OCD (mean age = 11.7; 63% = male) were assessed as part of a larger treatment trial. Insight was measured via clinician interview.

Youth with low insight had poorer intellectual functioning and reported decreased perception of control over their environment. Additionally, youth with low insight were more likely to be younger, to report higher levels of depressive symptoms, and to report lower levels of adaptive functioning.

This set of cognitive, developmental and clinical factors that may predispose youth with OCD to have diminished insight. Data provide initial empirical support for diagnostic differences between youth and adults with regard to requiring intact insight. Implications for treatment are discussed.