Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Preschool-Aged Children

Abstract

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive, unwanted and distress-provoking thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive or ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) aimed to neutralize distress; collectively such symptoms contribute to impaired functioning (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Epidemiological studies have reported a lifetime prevalence of OCD of 1–2% in children and adolescents (Rapoport et al., 2000; Zohar, 1999). The prevalence of OCD in young children (under eight years) is unclear but may be underestimated due to the difficulties this age group has in accurately reporting their distress and symptoms (Freeman et al., 2012). However, there is increasing evidence that supports the appearance of OCD presentation in young children, as early as two or three years of age (Coskun & Zoroglu, 2009; Coskun, Zoroglu, & Ozturk, 2012). These results are concerning because although the phenomenological features of OCD are similar across the lifespan, cases with early childhood onset may present unique characteristics that have important clinical implications. Yet, this age group has been under-represented across phenomenological, assessment, and treatment studies. With this in mind, the goal of the present chapter is to describe what is known related to OCD among young children.