Navigating recovery in childhood OCD: a qualitative analysis of barriers and facilitators.

Objective

The objective is to examine barriers and facilitators to recovery in children and adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) using a qualitative approach.

Methods

Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings were validated through investigator triangulation, peer validation and member check.

Results

Barriers to recovery were internal-lack of awareness; poor motivation to seek treatment; and perceived stigma, or external-poor parental support; parental anxiety; inadequate awareness in schools; social misconceptions about illness; myths about medication; and frustrations in treatment processes. Facilitators were internal-will and determination; self-discipline; keeping calm; sense of purpose, and external-general awareness; parental support; peer support; and good therapeutic engagement.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to explore barriers and facilitators to recovery in-depth in pediatric OCD. Findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions, robust support networks, and cultural sensitivity for successful recovery outcomes.

COI Statement

Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors have no competing interests or potential conflicts to disclose. Ethical approval: Approval to conduct the study was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS). Consent to participant: The children and their parents were provided with written and verbal explanations of the purpose and procedures of the study. Written informed assent and consent were taken from all the participants and their parents respectively. Anonymity and confidentiality were maintained. Consent for publication: The assent and consent obtained from participants and their parents/carers respectively included consent for publication of their data within written reports.

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