Long-term course of childhood-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder: Social adjustment at follow-up

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the long-term course of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with onset in childhood or adolescence. This presentation focuses on the social adjustment of the former patients in adulthood. Methods: Fifty-five out of 116 patients with childhood OCD classified accor ding to DSM-IV criteria were interviewed personally using structured interv iews. Mean age at onset of OCD was 12.5 years, and mean follow-up time was 11.2, years. Results: Despite the evident burden of mental disorder at the time of the f ollow-up, 76% led their own lives without being overly dependent upon their parents. 84% had no problems that impaired either school or their occupati on. 73% were rated as. maintaining satisfying social contacts, but only 54% were in a relationship at follow-up. Conclusions: In agreement with other studies we found an association betwee n the level of psychosexual adjustment and the course of obsessive-compulsi ve symptoms. Summing up, social adjustment and psychosexual functioning see m to be more impaired than occupational functioning. The relatively good ad justment of our sample indicates that most patients have found a way of man aging their lives, albeit still suffering from mental disorders.