Evidence-Based Treatments in Treatment-Naïve and Treatment-Resistant Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Abstract

Pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic, disabling, and common disorder. In this paper, we describe evidence-based treatments in treatment-naïve and treatment-refractory pediatric OCD patients. We conducted a PubMed search to identify randomized controlled trials, reviews, and expert guidelines. The evidence for cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) among treatment-naïve patients is substantial and shows that both treatments are effective. Head-to-head trials in pediatric OCD only show that CBT is significantly more effective than SSRI. The evidence among CBT and SSRI non-responders is limited. One trial among CBT non-responders showed that both continued CBT and switching to an SSRI are effective strategies. Likewise, one trial among SSRI non-responders showed that augmenting with CBT is necessary. Evidence of treatments for treatment-refractory pediatric OCD is lacking. We describe the treatments available and evidence from studies of adult OCD. Evidence for emerging treatments such as modifying CBT and glutamatergic drugs is also described.