title: Pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder: an update for advanced practice psychiatric nurses.
abstract: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may have an onset in childhood or adolescence resulting in significant functional impairment and disability into adulthood. There are frequently developmental differences in the content of the obsessions and compulsions in youth compared to adults. Lack of insight or shame may result in failure of the youth to seek treatment. This delay in treatment may lead to the development of other psychiatric comorbidities, including suicide. Evidence-based treatments for OCD include cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure/response prevention, and in moderate to severe cases, use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors is indicated. Advanced practice psychiatric nurses are in a unique position to provide psychoeducation, psychotherapy, and medications, if indicated, to youth with this condition to improve functioning and reduce morbidity and mortality. This article will provide an overview of the diagnostic criteria for OCD, etiologies, assessment strategies, differential diagnoses, common comorbidities, and evidence-based treatment options.
authors.affiliation: Robert Morris University, Moon Township, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Kirstyn Marie
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Kameg
authors.affiliation: Robert Morris University, Moon Township, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Luann
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Richardson
authors.affiliation: Robert Morris University, Moon Township, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Janene Luther
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Szpak
mesh_terms: D057179:Advanced Practice Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
keywords: Advanced practice psychiatric nurse; pediatric OCD