Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) In Childhood and Adolescence

Preetika Chandna

doi:10.4172/2329-9525.1000143

Abstract

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder, characterized by repetitive unwanted obsessions and compulsions, with a prevalence of 0.5-1% to 4% in childhood and adolescence. The exact pathogenesis of OCD remains uncertain but multiple components such as hereditary/genetic, cognitive, biological, environmental and behavioral factors have been implicated. The aim of this review is to highlight the pathogenesis of OCD in childhood and adolescence, differentiate it from adult onset OCD and outline its assessment and management.

Highlights

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder, characterized by repetitive unwanted obsessions and compulsions, with a prevalence of 0.5-1% to 4% in childhood and adolescence [1]
No cases have been reported in metropolitan China and rates of 12-month OCD among adults are 0.1% in Nigeria, 0.5% in The Netherlands, 0.6% in Germany, 0.6% in South Korea, 0.7% in Australia, 1% in the United States (US), and 3% in Turkey
The aim of this mini review is to highlight the pathogenesis of OCD in childhood and adolescence, differentiate it from adult onset OCD and outline its assessment, and management

Summary

Introduction

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder, characterized by repetitive unwanted obsessions and compulsions, with a prevalence of 0.5-1% to 4% in childhood and adolescence [1]. The lowest rates of anxiety disorders (including OCD) are consistently found in Asia and Africa, and are frequently replicated by lower rates of disorder among US populations of Asian and African descent [2] Despite this cross-national variability in prevalence, the epidemiology of OCD shows substantial similarity in gender distribution, age of onset, and comorbidity [3]. The persistence of symptoms of OCD into adulthood emphasizes the need for its early diagnosis and prompt Psychologic support The aim of this mini review is to highlight the pathogenesis of OCD in childhood and adolescence, differentiate it from adult onset OCD and outline its assessment, and management. OCD has a median age at onset of 19 years, with 21% of all cases beginning by the age of 10 years [5]

Definitions and Classifications

Assessment and Diagnosis

Findings

Conclusion