Innovative treatment approaches for paediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Immunology

Background:

• Pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic, underdiagnosed condition causing significant functional impairment.
• Current treatments like CBT and SSRIs are ineffective for a substantial subset of pediatric OCD patients, particularly those with early onset.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review emerging etiopathogenetic models of pediatric OCD, including neurodevelopmental, glutamatergic, and immune-inflammatory mechanisms.
• To examine novel therapeutic targets and strategies for pediatric OCD, with a focus on the PANDAS/PANS subgroup.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov.
• The review included controlled and observational studies on pediatric OCD, emphasizing recent findings and therapeutic innovations.

Main Results:

• The PANDAS/PANS subgroup has influenced a paradigm shift beyond monoaminergic dysfunction in OCD.
• Emerging evidence suggests potential of glutamate modulators and anti-inflammatory agents, alongside psychotherapeutic approaches.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric OCD research needs large-scale, age-specific trials and early immune profiling.
• Mechanistically guided interventions are crucial for advancing personalized care in pediatric OCD.