[Obsessive-compulsive disorders in children. Subtypes of OCD and their relation to infection with group A streptococci]

(Obsessiv-kompulsiv tilstand hos børn. Undertyper af OCD og deres relation til infektion med gruppe-A-beta-haemolytiske streptokokker.)

Full Abstract

The present review describes the theory of a spectrum of obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD). This spectrum includes such disorders as trichotillomania, eating disorders, body dysmorphic disorder, and possibly pervasive developmental disorders. OCD with an onset in childhood is presented as a specific subtype, with more boys affected and frequently co-morbid with tics and Tourette's syndrome. Furthermore, it seems to be more genetically determined and have more significant deviations, as measured by neuro-imaging studies, than has OCD with an adult onset. The PANDAS theory (paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infections) is described. This subtype of OCD is, still on a speculative basis, connected to infections with beta-haemolytic streptococci. The obsessive-compulsive symptoms are characterised by a sudden onset, "sawtoothed" course with relapses and remissions, and are associated with neurological abnormalities. There are still no clinical consequences in terms of penicillin treatment of this PANDAS subtype of OCD.

Author information

Author/s: Thomsen, Per Hove (PH); Leckman, James (J);

Affiliation: Børne- og Ungdomspsykiatrisk Hospital, Arhus Universitetshospital, Harald Selmers Vej 66, DK-8240 Risskov. pht(-atsign-)buh.aaa.dk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: English Abstract; Journal Article; Review

Journal: Ugeskrift for laeger (Ugeskr Laeger), published in Denmark. (Language: dan)

Reference: 2002-Aug; vol 164 (issue 32) : pp 3763-7

Dates: Created 2002/10/04; Completed 2002/10/17; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 12362609, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article
(including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.