Cognitive behavioral therapy of childhood OCD

A growing body of evidence suggests that cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) b ased on exposure plus response prevention may be a highly effective treatme nt for childhood OCD. Although originally based on treatment models for adu lts, CBT protocols for childhood OCD have been recently developed which inc orporate a number of age-appropriate adaptations to address potential cogni tive and motivational Limitations of younger children. This article reviews the current CBT Literature for childhood OCD and presents practical guidel ines for the behavioral assessment and treatment of this disorder. Addition al relevant issues including family involvement in treatment, diagnostic co morbidity, and combining CBT with medication are also highlighted.