Outpatient Treatment Patterns of Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Abstract

Introduction:

Little is known about community physician treatment practices for children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This study is the first to describe the treatment of pediatric OCD in office-based and outpatient department-based physicians in the United States.

Methods:

Data from the 2003–2011 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey were used. We provided descriptive statistics for sample characteristics and treatments administered during the visit, and examined differences in treatment by comorbid conditions and settings using logistic regression.

Results:

Psychotherapy was provided in 46% of visits in children with OCD overall, while serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) medication was prescribed to 55% overall, atypical antipsychotics were prescribed to 22% of youth either alone or in combination with another medication; 11% received no psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy. Psychotherapy and at least one pharmacotherapy were provided to 36% of patients. There were no significant differences in characteristics of patients receiving each class of medication.

Conclusion:

Among children and adolescents, OCD was primarily treated by physicians using SRI medication and/or psychotherapy. A sizeable proportion of children were given atypical antipsychotic medications. Wider dissemination of evidence-based psychological treatments and continued monitoring of adherence to guidelines is warranted.