Time-limited cognitive-behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy of obsessive-compulsive disorder

In the last 30 years, effective time-limited psychosocial and pharmacothera pies of obsessive compulsive disorder have been developed and studied. In p articular, the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral treatment involving exposur e and ritual prevention has been established, as has the efficacy of seroto nergic medications. Diagnostic and related issues are discussed, these effe ctive treatments are described and evidence for their efficacy reviewed, an d clinical vignettes are provided to illustrate some of the issues likely t o arise when evaluating and treating individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder. Recommendations for adjusting exposure and ritual prevention prog rams to be effective with children are also provided.