The Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Adolescence

Abstract

SummaryThe treatment of 15 adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder is described. Treatment was in most cases primarily behavioural (response-prevention), with the family involved in the therapy. Other components of treatment which were used in some cases are also described: medication, psychotherapy, and ‘milieu’ therapy. Outcome after treatment was generally good, with symptoms in most cases being relieved entirely or reduced to a mildly incapacitating level. Treatment gains in most cases were maintained at follow-up. Obstacles to treatment are noted, and recommendations are made as to the management of the disorder in adolescence.