Protocol Number: 02-M-0281

Title:

The Characterization of Childhood Onset Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and the PANDAS Subgroup

Number:

02-M-0281

Summary:

The purpose of this study is to learn more about Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD) in children. OCD usually has a slow onset, and symptoms that may remain at a stable level over time. A subset of children with OCD has a sudden onset and symptoms that fluctuate in severity over time. This study will also compare healthy children to those with OCD. This is an observational study; children who participate will not receive any new or experimental therapies.

OCD affects nearly 1% of the pediatric population. The symptoms of this illness can interrupt development, causing significant psychological distress and producing life-long impairments in social, academic, and occupational functioning. A subgroup of pediatric OCD has been designated by the acronym PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections). This type of OCD is characterized by sudden symptom onset and a relapsing-remitting course of illness; exacerbation of symptoms occurs with scarlet fever or strep. throat infections. This study will identify factors that distinguish children with PANDAS OCD from children with non-PANDAS OCD, and will compare both groups to healthy children.

Children with OCD and their parents are screened with interviews and a review of the child's medical records. Participants have an initial evaluation that includes a psychiatric, physical and neuromotor exam, neuropsychological testing, psychological interviews, and a blood test. Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRS) scans of the brain are also obtained. The MRS scan does not use radiation.

After the initial evaluation, children with OCD have follow-up visits every 6 weeks for 12 to 24 months. They are seen yearly for 8 years after the study. If they have a significant improvement or worsening of their symptoms, they are asked to make a maximum of two extra visits. Parents of OCD patients are called four times a year to discuss any changes in the child's condition between yearly visits. All participants have a 1-year follow-up visit upon study completion.

Sponsoring Institute:

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Recruitment Detail

Type: No longer recruiting/follow-up only

Gender: Male & Female

Referral Letter Required: No

Population Exclusion(s): None

Eligibility Criteria: This study is not currently recruiting new subjects. If you have questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.

Special Instructions:

Currently Not Provided

Keyword(s):

Tic Disorders

Neurophyschological

Immunology

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Basal Ganglia

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Children

Adolescents

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated d

Recruitment Keyword(s):

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

OCD

Healthy Volunteers

HV

Condition(s):

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Investigational Drug(s):

None

Investigational Device(s):

None

Interventions:

None

Supporting Site:

National Institute of Mental Health

Contact(s):

This study is not currently recruiting new subjects. If you have questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.

Citation(s):

Rosenberg DR, Keshavan MS, O'Hearn KM, Dick EL, BagwellWW, Seymour AB, Montrose DM, Pierri JN, Birmaher B. Frontostriatal measurement in treatment-naive children with bsessive-compulsive disorder. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1997Sep;54(9):824-30.

Snider LA, Lougee L, Slattery M, Grant P, Swedo SE. Antibioticprophylaxis with azithromycin or penicillin forchildhood-onset neuropsychiatric disorders. Biol Psychiatry.2005 Apr 1;57(7):788-92.

Saxena S, Brody AL, Schwartz JM, Baxter LR. Neuroimaging and frontal-subcortical circuitry in obsessive-compulsive disorder. Br J Psychiatry Suppl. 1998;(35):26-37. Review.

• Questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.
• Technical questions regarding the Clinical Center web site, please contact the Department of Networks and Applications, CC.

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