Treatment Efficacy of Combined Sertraline and Guanfacine in Comorbid Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Two Case Studies

Objective: Treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is complicated by comorbid psychiatric disorders. Successful treatment of 2 pediatric patients with severe OCD and comorbid attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is described. Method: A report on 2 pediatric clinical cases (Ages 9 and 10) with comorbid OCD and ADHD was used to describe response to medication management through the serotonin transporter inhibitor, sertraline, and the noradrenergic alpha(2A) receptor agonist, guanfacine, along with cognitive behavioral therapy. Results: Cognitive behavioral therapy combined with titrated doses of the serotonin transporter inhibitor, sertraline, and the noradrenergic alpha(2A) receptor agonist, guanfacine resolved OCD symptoms and the underlying ADHD. Conclusion: The novel observations support a focused psychological and pharmacological approach to successful treatment of complex symptoms in patients with comorbid OCD and ADHD. Limitations to generalizability are discussed.