[A Review and Recommendations of Evidence-Based Treatments for Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder]

Pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by recurrent obsessions and compulsions. In this review we depict evidence-based treatments for pediatric OCD patients. We searched PubMed for relevant publications including randomized controlled trials, reviews, and expert guidelines. Substantial evidence for cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) among treatment-naïve patients shows that both treatments are effective. CBT is significantly more effective than SSRI based on head-to-head trials. The evidence for CBT- or SSRI-resistant patients is limited but indicates that CBT and SSRI are effective treatments for CBT non-responders while a combination of CBT and SSRI is the most effective treatment for SSRI non-responders with no prior exposure to CBT. The current data support clinical guidelines indicating that when CBT expertise is present, one can successfully treat patients with CBT. CBT is also as effective as SSRI in non-responders after 14 weeks of CBT. The results did not indicate that combined treatment of CBT and SSRI is more effective than CBT delivered by experts. However, combined treatment is more effective than SSRI in SSRI non-responders.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, children and adolescents, treatment, Cognitive behavior therapy, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, atypical antipsychotics, treatment-resistant, treatment-refractory. Correspondence: Guðmundur Skarphedinsson, gudmundur.skarphedinsson@r-bup.no.