Childhood Ocd: The Importance of an Integrated Approach

Abstract

Introduction

OCD is one of the most frequently diagnosed disorders during childhood. A prevalence of 1% is estimated, but according to the literature is an underdiagnosed pathology.

Aims

To differentiate pathological rituals from those that children can have as normal behavior during their natural development. To perform a differential diagnosis and a current review of the literature.

Methods

Descriptive analysis of a patient's medical record diagnosed of OCD and Tourette syndrome.

Case report

Eight years old male diagnosed of Tourette syndrome (vocal and motor tics). Obsessive thoughts cancer related, self-examinations with compulsive pattern and anxiety with social and academic interference. Family history of tics in both parents during childhood. Currently, father with order rituals and mother with an Anxiety Disorder in treatment. Treatment with Sertraline 25 mg/day was tested with poor tolerance. Currently, the patient is being treated with Aripiprazole 1 mg/day with an important improvement of his symptoms and quality of life. OCD has comorbidity with affective and anxiety disorders, as well as Tourette syndrome. It's essential to differentiate pathology from certain behaviors considered normal during a child's development. For example, some children can have certain level of meticulousness, insecurity or a lucky object, but these behaviors shouldn’t be confused with OCD symptoms. The treatment of choice is a combination of CBT with pharmacological therapy.

Conclusions

An early diagnosis during childhood together with an appropriate comorbidity detection can reduce the tendency towards chronicity of this disorder leading to a better quality of life in these patients.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.