Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Abstract

The present chapter summarizes our current knowledge of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in children and adolescents. The review begins with coverage on the nature of OCD such as the prevalence, age of onset, comorbidity and course and outcome. Following a brief discussion of the key challenges in assessing OCD, it then moves to systematic description of some etiological models, including biological/genetic, autoimmune model, neurochemical model, and key individual, family, and social factors influencing risk and resiliency. The subsequent part of the review describes evidence-base treatment strategies and efficacy, and factors that have been reported to influence treatment outcome. The review concludes with brief discussion on the recommendations for best practice when working with children and adolescents with OCD. © 2015 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.