Symptom Insight in Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Outcomes of an International Aggregated Cross-Sectional Sample.

ABSTRACT

Insight in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) refers to patients' recognition that their obsessions and compulsions are symptoms rather than necessary or natural thoughts and behaviors.1 It has been estimated that 20% to 45% of youth with OCD exhibit poor or absent insight.2-4 Identified correlates of poor insight include younger age,2,3,5,6 increased OCD severity,2,4,7 impairment,4,7,8 and family accommodation2,4; lower intellectual and adaptive functioning3; and greater depressive symptoms.2,3 Poorer insight has also been associated with reduced response across treatment groups (ie, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor [SSRI], cognitive behavioral therapy [CBT], combined SSRI plus CBT, or pill placebo).9.