Obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and adolescents.
BACKGROUND
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common psychiatric condition that usually emerges during childhood or adolescence. Over 80% of individuals with OCD have their onset before age 18 years. Epidemiologic studies suggest a prevalence of 1-2% for adolescents.


METHODS
This article reviews current knowledge of paediatric OCD in the following areas: age of onset, nosology and classification, subtypes, prevalence, aetiology, pathophysiology, assessment, prognosis and treatment.


RESULTS
Essential components of treatment include long-term commitment, care management and illness education. Specific components of treatment include cognitive-behavioural therapy, parent behaviour management training and medication.


CONCLUSIONS
The most effective treatments are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g. fluvoxamine, sertraline) and exposure/response prevention.
Riddle
M
M
Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Children's Center, Baltimore, MD 21287-3325, USA. riddle@welchlink.welch.jhu.edu
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D011379:Prognosis