Pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder: an update for advanced practice psychiatric nurses

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Neuroscience
• Mental Health Nursing

Background:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often emerges in childhood or adolescence, leading to significant functional impairment into adulthood.
• Developmental variations exist in the presentation of obsessions and compulsions between youth and adults.
• Delayed treatment due to poor insight or shame can increase the risk of comorbidities, including suicide.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in youth.
• To highlight the role of advanced practice psychiatric nurses in managing pediatric OCD.
• To discuss diagnostic criteria, etiologies, assessment, differential diagnoses, comorbidities, and evidence-based treatments for youth OCD.

Main Methods:

• Review of diagnostic criteria for OCD.
• Exploration of etiological factors.
• Discussion of assessment strategies and differential diagnoses.
• Identification of common comorbidities.
• Summary of evidence-based treatment options, including psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.

Main Results:

• OCD in youth presents unique challenges, including developmental differences and barriers to treatment seeking.
• Evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure/response prevention (ERP), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are effective.
• Advanced practice psychiatric nurses play a vital role in the comprehensive management of pediatric OCD.

Conclusions:

• Early identification and intervention for OCD in youth are critical to mitigate long-term functional impairment and reduce associated risks.
• A multidisciplinary approach integrating psychoeducation, psychotherapy, and pharmacotherapy is essential for optimal outcomes.
• Advanced practice psychiatric nurses are key providers in delivering evidence-based care for youth with OCD, improving functioning and reducing morbidity and mortality.