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The Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Adolescence

A Report of Fifteen Cases

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

Derek Bolton ,
Suzanne Collins  and
Derek Steinberg
Derek Bolton
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry; Adolescent Unit, Bethlem Royal and Maudsley Hospitals, Monks Orchard Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 3BX
Suzanne Collins
Affiliation:
Wandsworth Health District, London
Derek Steinberg
Affiliation:
Adolescent Unit, Bethlem Royal and Maudsley Hospitals
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Summary

The 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.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 142 , Issue 5 , May 1983 , pp. 456 - 464
Copyright
Copyright © 1983 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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