Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Abstract

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric condition which commonly begins in childhood or adolescence and can become chronic and lead to significant functional impairments across the lifespan. Despite the severity of symptoms and impairment, often the disorder takes years to be appropriately identified and treated. Primary care providers (PCPs) can play an important role in identifying OCD through careful history taking and screening. While many PCPs may not feel adequately trained to provide treatment, appropriate referral to specialty clinicians can lead to favorable clinical outcomes. This chapter provides a concise review of the typical presentation, assessment, and treatment of OCD in children and will include relevant information regarding its epidemiology, etiology, clinical features, and typical course.