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Treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and adolescents

A review of the literature

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Abstract

The literature on treatment of childhood and adolescent obsessive-compulsive disorder is reviewed. Most studies concerning treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder has been based on experience from adult patients. Only a few controlled trials using medication with obsessive-compulsive children have been produced. No controlled study has as yet documented the effect of behavioural therapy alone. The most effective treatment seems to be a combination of behavioural therapy and medication with a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. In the treatment of children with OCD, it is important to consider the child's personality and comorbid disorders.

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  1. Department of Research, Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Hospital, Harald Selmersvej 66, 8240, Risskov, Denmark

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Thomsen, P.H. Treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and adolescents. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 5, 55–66 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01989497

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