Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by the presence of obsessions and compulsions, which significantly impair functioning. Although OCD was previously thought not to manifest in early childhood, recent studies have demonstrated that it can be diagnosed during the preschool period. Preschool-onset OCD is more frequently observed in males and is associated with a higher prevalence of familial loading and comorbidity. Diagnosis during this period is challenging due to the potential overlap with normative ritualistic behaviors of childhood and the presence of multiple differential diagnoses, and treatment options are limited. Here, we present the case of a 46-month-old male patient presenting with obsessional doubts and symmetry concerns who was diagnosed with OCD and treated with fluoxetine. This case highlights the potential benefits of pharmacological interventions in preschool-onset OCD.
Soyugür et al. (Wed,) studied this question.