Neuropsychiatry of obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and adolescents

Physicians understanding of the pathobiobiology, diagnosis, and treatment of OCD in children and adolescents closely resembles that for OCD in adults. Moreover, it is now clear that OCD is a neurobehavioral disorder involving dysregulation in links between cortical and subcortical circuitry that is substantially influenced by serotonergic neurotransmission. Although current treatments are not generally curative, given a correct diagnosis and the skillful combination of pharmacotherapy with a serotonin reuptake inhibitor and focused cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy, most children can be helped to resume a normal developmental trajectory.