LONG-TERM COURSE OF OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER TREATED IN ADOLESCENCE

Objective: To investigate the long-term course of obsessive-compulsive disorder treated in adolescence. Method: Fifteen young adults treated for the disorder in adolescence, mainly though not only by behavior t herapy and family therapy, were followed up between 9 and 14 years lat er. Results: Data were collected on 14 of the cases (93%, N = 15) from various sources including interview in person in 6 cases. Of the 14 c ases, 6 were found to satisfy DSM-III-R criteria for obsessive-compuls ive disorder at long-term follow-up, while 8 were not. These recovered participants were not currently taking medication, and long-lasting r ecovery was associated with good social adjustment. Chronic course was not attributable to lack of subsequent treatment. Conclusions: The re covery rate of 57% (N = 14) is similar to those found in other recent studies of outcome following vigorous treatment in adolescence. The fi ndings are over the longest follow-up period so far reported for obses sive-compulsive disorder treated in adolescence. Positive response to treatment in adolescence can be followed by relapse after longer perio ds than have usually been studied.