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Obsessive-compulsive Disorder in Children and Adolescents

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 October 2014

Neville J. King,
Thomas H. Ollendick and
Iain M. Montgomery
Neville J. King*
Affiliation:
Monash University
Thomas H. Ollendick
Affiliation:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, USA
Iain M. Montgomery
Affiliation:
University of Tasmania
*
Faculty of Education, School of Graduate Studies, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia
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Abstract

This selective review shows that childhood obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a serious condition that requires early identification and treatment. Initially, we examine the relationship of childhood rituals to OCD, and discuss recent findings on the epidemiology of childhood OCD. The DSM-IV criteria for OCD are presented, along with recent findings on psychopathology. Clinical management of childhood OCD is a challenging and difficult task for mental health professionals. We briefly describe and evaluate advances in behavioural treatment — mainly in vivo exposure and response prevention. The adjunctive use of antidepressant medication is also examined. Whilst these clinical innovations are promising, further controlled evaluations are necessary before the efficacy of behavioural intervention can be confidently asserted.

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Type
Research Article
Information
Behaviour Change , Volume 12 , Issue 1 , March 1995, pp. 51 - 58
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 1995

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