What is Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

Condition analysis:
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a significant neurobiologic disorder that severely can disrupt academic, social, and vocational functioning. The major feature of this disorder is the presence of recurring obsessions, recurrent unwanted thoughts, compulsions, and repetitive excessive actions that interfere with a person's life.

Once believed to be relatively rare in children and adolescents, OCD now is thought to affect as many as 2-3% of children. Among adolescents with OCD, the literature indicates that very few receive an appropriate and correct diagnosis, and even fewer receive proper treatment. This finding is unfortunate, because effective cognitive, behavioral, and pharmacologic treatments are now available. If obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is suspected, referral to a mental health professional is indicated.

Instructions:
Approach Considerations: Successful treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves the judicious use of SSRIs and structured psychotherapy designed to provide the patient with the skills to master the obsessive thoughts and accompanying compulsive behaviors. Both psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy are effective interventions for children with OCD. Management of infectious etiologies remains uncertain and may include strategies similar to those for Sydenham chorea.