Navigating Recovery in Childhood OCD: A Qualitative Analysis of Barriers and Facilitators

Objective The objective is to examine the barriers and facilitators to recovery in children and adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). 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. Trial registration NIMH/DO/IEC (BEH. Sc. DIV)/2018, l1 April 2018