Journal Title:  Annals of Clinical Psychiatry | Vol:  20 | Issue:  4 | Year:  2008   
Print ISSN:  1040-1237 | Online ISSN:  1547-3325   

Case Series: Sensory Intolerance as a Primary Symptom of Pediatric OCD

Eric P. Hazen MD
Elizabeth L. Reichert BS
John C. Piacentini PhD
Eurípedes Constantino Miguel MD PhD
Maria Conceição do Rosario MD PhD
David Pauls PhD
Daniel A. Geller MBBS FRACP

pages: 199 - 203
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Abstract:

Introduction. Marked intolerance or intrusive re-experiencing of ordinary sensory stimuli that in turn drive functionally impairing compulsive behaviors are occasionally seen in young children with OCD.

Methods. We describe a number of children with DSM-IV OCD ascertained from a family genetic study of pediatric OCD, whose intolerance of ordinary sensory stimuli created significant subjective distress and time-consuming ritualistic behavior that was clinically impairing.

Results. In each case, these sensory symptoms were the primary presenting symptoms and were experienced in the absence of intrusive thoughts, images, or ideas associated with “conventional” OCD symptoms.

Conclusions. These symptoms suggest abnormalities in sensory processing and integration in at least a subset of OCD patients. Recognition of these sensory symptoms and sensory-driven behaviors as part of the broad phenotypic variation in children with OCD could help clinicians more easily identify OCD patients and facilitate treatment.