Computerized tomography and neuropsychological test measures in adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder

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Abstract
CAT [computerized axial tomography] scans and neuropsychological tests were given to 16 adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder (mean age .+-. SD = 13.7 .+-. 1.6 yr) and 16 matched controls. The patients had a mean ventricular-brain ratio (VBR) significantly higher than the controls and showed spatial-perceptual deficits similar to those found in patients with frontal lobe lesions. Memory, reaction time and decision time did not differ significantly from controls. Neurodevelopmental examination of 7 patients yielded a high frequency of age-inappropriate synkinesias and left hemibody signs. There is possible CNS dysfunctioning in children with obsessive-compulsive disorder, with possible right cerebral involvment. The patients'' neuropsychological test deficits and VBR were not correlated.