CASE REPORT: DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE SYMPTOMS CONFOUNDED BY DELUSION-LIKE FIXATIONS AND SOMATIC SYMPTOMS IN AN ADOLESCENT

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Obsessive-compulsive symptoms can at times beconfounded by delusional symptoms, which canbe especially challenging to interpret correctly inchildren and adolescents, who may struggle to articulatethe intrusive or unreasonable nature of theirobsessions. Obsessions, overvalued ideas and delusionscan have an overlap. Persistent headaches arenot uncommon amongst patients presenting withanxiety disorders and psychosomatic symptomsare frequently reported by children. Psychosomaticcomplaints, such as enduring headaches, can alsohave an undesirable impact on therapeutic approachand delay access to the correct treatment. In thiscase we discuss diagnostic pitfalls in an adolescentgirl presenting with obsessive-compulsive symptomatologyand a successful treatment of enduringsymptoms with psycho-education and medication.We will argue that psycho-education for young peopleand their families based on a correct diagnosisof obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is essentialto provide reassurance, to help young people regainself-confidence and re-establish constructiverelationships within the family unit. Selective serotoninre-uptake inhibitors (SSRI) are the drug ofchoice for pharmacological treatment of OCD in thisage group. We conclude that a correct diagnosis ofthe condition as anxiety-driven was of paramountimportance for psychological approach and pharmacologicalmanagement of this case.

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Adolescent , Obsessive Compulsive Di , sorder , Selective Serotonin Re , uptake Inhibitor , Ob , session , Delusion , Treatment

Kocatepe Medical Journal

161

Kocatepe Medical Journal