Obsessive-compulsive and spectrum disorders in children and adolescents

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affecting children and adolescents is prevalent, and OCD has a childhood onset in about one third to one half of affected adults. Unlike adults, affected children are more often male. Mood and anxiety disorders are common in pediatric OCD; pediatric OCD also has a distinct association with disruptive behavior disorders, tic, and other specific and pervasive developmental disorders. Childhood-onset of OCD seems to be associated with a markedly increased risk for familial transmission of OCD, tic disorders, and ADHD. Both scientifically and clinically, the recognition of developmentally specific OCD phenotypes may be valuable.