Comparison of Child Behavior Checklist subscales in screening for obsessive-compulsive disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a prevalent psychiatric disorder in children and adolescents associated with significant functional impairment. Early and correct diagnosis is essential for an optimal treatment outcome. The purpose of this study was to determine which of four subscales derived from the Child Behavior Checklist best discriminates OCD patients from clinical and population-based controls.

The material consisted of 84 children diagnosed with OCD, 84 clinical controls and 84 general population controls with no psychiatric record.

Receiver operating characteristics analyses identified the best cut-off scores of the scales. There was no significant difference in the discriminating ability of the scales. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value were calculated for single items and scales at cut-point levels.

None of the scales examined were superior to the others. The extended scales were no better than a scale comprising the two core items, obsessions and compulsions.

not relevant.

not relevant.