Review: Exteroceptive Sensory Abnormalities in Childhood and Adolescent Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Critical Review

David C. Houghton, Dan J. Stein, Bernadette M. Cortese

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Childhood anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are defined by fear, worry, and uncertainty, but there is also evidence that affected children possess exteroceptive sensory abnormalities. These sensory features may often instigate symptoms and cause significant distress and functional impairment. In addition, a purported class of conditions known as “sensory processing disorders” may significantly overlap with childhood anxiety and OCD, which provides further support for a connection between abnormal sensation and fear-based psychopathology. Method: The current review was conducted to synthesize and to critically evaluate the existing research on exteroceptive sensory abnormalities in childhood anxiety and OCD. Because of the paucity of research in this area, studies with adult populations were also briefly reviewed. Results: The review found significant support for the notion that sensory abnormalities are common in children with anxiety disorders and OCD, but there are significant limitations to research in this area that prevent firm conclusions. Conclusion: Potential avenues for future research on sensory features of pediatric anxiety and OCD are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)78-87
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Volume59
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2020

Keywords

  • OCD
  • anxiety
  • childhood psychopathology
  • psychosomatics
  • sensory processing

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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