Abstract
Objective:
The aim of this study was to investigate the familial characteristics of children with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and to compare the symptoms with their parents.
Method:
Fourteen male and 26 female patients below 18 years of age admitted to the pediatric psychiatry clinic with the diagnosis of OCD, their parents and siblings were included into the study. Psychiatric diagnoses were based on DSM IV criteria.
Results:
OCD was deteced in 11% of the first degree relatives. The mean age of boys was 11.1±3.3, and the mean age of girls was 10.7±3.5 years. Gender and the onset of the symptoms showed no statistical difference between patients who had first degree relatives with OCD and others. The presence of dirt and contamination obsessions in mothers and symmetry and ordering obsessions in fathers were related with the existence of these obsessions in the child.
Discussion:
OCD was detected more frequently than expected in the first degree ralatives of children with OCD. The types of symptoms were also related with the symptoms of the parents. These findings might be helpful in evaluating the children with OCD and their families.
Keywords: OCD, family, child
