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. Epid emiologic studies suggest a prevalence of 1-2% for adolescents. Method This article reviews current knowledge of paediatric OCD in the follo wing areas: age of onset, nosology and classification, subtypes, preva lence aetiology, pathophysiology, assessment, prognosis and treatment. Results Essential components of treatment include long-term commitmen t, care management and illness education. Specific components oi treat ment include cognitive-behavioural therapy, parent behaviour managemen t training and medication. Conclusions The most effective treatments a re selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g. fluvoxamine, sertrali ne) and exposure/response prevention.