Obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and adolescents

Significant progress has occurred over the past 10 years in the understanding and treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. With the recognition that one half to one third of adults experience onset of the disorder in childhood and adolescence, early identification and treatment of the disorder become essential to reduce potential long-term ramifications. Models for etiopathogenesis suggest a neuropsychiatric disorder and are supported by identification of an immune-related subtype, association with other neurological diseases, brain-imaging studies, and peripheral blood findings. Pharmacological and behavioral treatments have been shown to have efficacy in reducing compulsive behaviors and obsessive thoughts. Although treatable, many children have only a partial response. Based on the current child and adolescent literature, an overview of childhood obsessive-compulsive disorder is presented.