Obsessive-compulsive disorder in children: The role of nurse practitioners.
OBJECTIVE
To review the characteristics of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children, differential diagnoses, screening and assessment tools, interventions, and outcomes. The role of nurse practitioners (NPs) in caring for children with OCD and the need for more research are discussed.


METHODS
Review of published literature on the topic.


CONCLUSIONS
OCD is now recognized as a common psychiatric disorder that may go unrecognized during childhood, leading to interference with a child's development and daily functioning. Early identification and treatment of OCD are crucial for a child's psychosocial functioning and quality of life.


CONCLUSIONS
NPs familiar with OCD in children can identify patients and make informed judgments about assessment, treatment, and referral.
Sturm
Rebecca
R
School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA. rs2251@columbia.edu
D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing*; D011379:Prognosis; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology