Approach to managing obsessive compulsive disorder in children

Use psychosocial interventions (adapted to chronological and developmental age) first line for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in children. Psychoeducation should involve providing a clear explanation of OCD to the child and their family, carers or significant others.

Children with severe OCD may not respond to psychosocial interventions; concurrent pharmacotherapy may be required. Pharmacotherapy is ideally started by a clinician with expertise in using psychotropics in children.