Obsessive–compulsive disorder in children and adolescents

Despite obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) being one of the more common serious mental illnesses, it continues to be shrouded in shame and secrecy. The shame surrounding the condition, in combination with a lack of recognition of its defining symptoms, can lead to delays of several years before it is diagnosed, yet it is highly responsive to treatment once recognized. Children with OCD frequently present to non-psychiatrists. It is important that paediatricians familiarize themselves with the characteristic symptoms. This review summarizes current research regarding the epidemiology and aetiology of OCD, the assessment of childhood-onset OCD, as well as its psychological and pharmacological management.