Neurocognitive risk markers in pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has complex genetic roots, with siblings of affected individuals facing a tenfold higher risk, especially in early-onset cases.
• Neurocognitive markers preceding pediatric OCD onset have not been extensively studied, unlike in adult OCD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate neurocognitive differences in youth with OCD, their unaffected siblings at high risk, and healthy controls.
• To identify potential neurocognitive markers that may precede the onset of pediatric OCD.

Main Methods:

• Compared neurocognitive performance in 233 participants (ages 6-18) across three groups: OCD-affected youth (n=87), unaffected siblings (n=67), and healthy controls (n=79).
• Utilized standardized tests assessing cognitive flexibility, decision-making, planning, response inhibition, memory, attention, and intelligence.
• Employed linear mixed-effects models, adjusting for covariates and accounting for family membership.

Main Results:

• OCD-affected youth and unaffected siblings demonstrated significantly poorer planning abilities compared to healthy controls (p=.007).
• No other significant neurocognitive differences were found between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Impaired planning appears to be a trait marker for pediatric OCD, distinguishing it from adult OCD's broader cognitive deficits.
• Further longitudinal research on neurocognitive trajectories is essential for risk stratification and early intervention in pediatric OCD.