Obsessive–Compulsive Disorders in Adolescence

Abstract

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a heterogeneous condition characterized by the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions. Clinical characteristics and consequences of the disorder in adolescent lives are described here, highlighting the great impairment OCD can cause in social and academic areas. The entry also addresses other psychopathological disorders that are frequently comorbid to OCD, increasing distress and complicating prognosis and treatment response. In addition, biological and psychological theoretical models of disorder etiology are described. Finally, the entry mentions the main assessment instruments and treatment strategies for OCD that have received empirical support, putting an emphasis on exposure, with response prevention as the first line of psychological treatment.