Adolescent obsessive-compulsive disorder presenting with internal dialogue: a case report

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adolescents may present with predominantly internal cognitive symptoms rather than overt rituals. Intrusive thoughts experienced as an inner dialogue may resemble psychotic symptoms, particularly if depressive symptoms and functional impairment are present. Such presentations may be difficult to recognize in clinical practice.

This case report describes a 16-year-old girl with an eight-month history of school refusal and intrusive thoughts. She experienced repetitive mental reviewing and vivid internal dialogues but recognized them as her own thoughts. Depressive symptoms were also present. There were no fixed delusional beliefs or externally perceived hallucinations. The diagnosis was OCD with predominantly mental compulsions. Sertraline combined with psychotherapy produced minimal improvement. Given the limited response, the treatment plan was adjusted. Treatment with vortioxetine and low-dose aripiprazole was followed by symptom reduction and a gradual return to school.

This case describes an atypical adolescent OCD presentation in which inner dialogic intrusive experiences and depressive symptoms obscured the underlying obsessive pathology. Careful phenomenological assessment is important to avoid misdiagnosis and delayed treatment in similar cases. Symptom improvement was observed after treatment modification, although the relative contribution of medication changes, psychotherapy, family support, symptom fluctuation, and school re-engagement cannot be determined in a single case.