Computer-assisted assessment of obsessive-compulsive disorder in young people: A preliminary evaluation of the Development and Well-Being Assessment

摘要

Background: Paediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often goes undetected, delaying access to evidence-based treatment. This study aimed to assess the utility of a computerised diagnostic tool, the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA), in detecting OCD and comorbidity in youth. Method: A total of 51 young people referred to a specialist OCD service between September 2007 and July 2008 completed the DAWBA prior to clinical assessment. Computer-rated and clinician-rated DAWBA diagnoses were compared with those assigned by the specialist clinic. Results: The computer-rated and clinician-rated DAWBA correctly classified OCD in 71 and 77 of cases respectively. Compared to consensus diagnoses, the computer-rated DAWBA tended to over-diagnose comorbidity, while the clinician-rated DAWBA diagnoses of comorbidity corresponded well with the consensus. Conclusions: The DAWBA has potential value in detecting OCD as well as comorbid disorders, and could be a cost-effective method for diagnosing OCD and related problems.