Behavior Therapy for Children and Adolescents With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

The purpose of this study is to evaluate a behavioral treatment program for children and adolescents with OCD and their families. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) behavior therapy, in which the patient is gradually exposed to the object or situation that causes anxiety and is taught to refrain from responding in a compulsive manner, is combined with family counseling (Family Treatment Program). This treatment will be compared to Relaxation Training (RT). OCD is a long-term, often disabling disorder that can cause significant family disruption. ERP is a promising treatment for children with OCD, and it is thought that family participation (through the Family Treatment Program) may be a helpful addition. RT is a common treatment for anxiety. Patients are assigned randomly (like tossing a coin) to receive either the ERP/Family Treatment Program or RT. Both treatments will be delivered over 12 90-minute outpatient sessions to youngsters and their families. All participants (patients and family members) will be assessed for treatment response each month during treatment, after treatment is finished, and then at 2 follow-up visits over the following 6 months. A child/adolescent may be eligible for this study if he/she: Has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), is medication-free, and is 8 to 17 years old.