[Psychotherapeutic methods in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children and adolescents]

Abstract

The psychiatric and psychological literature was systematically reviewed for studies applying psychotherapeutic principles to young persons with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Abundant clinical and empirical evidence suggest that cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy, alone or in combination with pharmacotherapy, is an effective treatment for OCD in children and adolescents. Thirty-two investigations, most of them single case reports, showed some benefit for such kind of interventions. Graded exposure and response prevention form the core of treatment; anxiety management training and specific family interventions may play an adjunctive role.