Pediatria pre prax 6/2015

Obsessive-compulsive disorder in childhood

The article summarizes current knowledge on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The core symptoms are obsessions and compulsions, often accompanied by associated symptoms. The age of onset of OCD is typically the early adulthood, up to one fifth of patients however are symptomatic before puberty. The disorder is more frequent in boys in childhood and has a better outcome than in adults. It has been found a significant role of the orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate cortex and the basal ganglia in the pathophysiology of OCD. One subtype may be associated with the group A streptococcal infections. The treatment is based on pharmacotherapy and cognitive- behavioral therapy. The drugs used are serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRI).

Keywords: obsessive-compulsive disorder, diagnosis of OCD, treatment of OCD.