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A randomised controlled trial of cognitive behavioural treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder in children and adolescents

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Abstract

Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for young people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) has become the treatment of first choice. However, the literature is largely based on studies emphasising exposure and response prevention. In this study, we report on a randomised controlled trial of CBT for young people carried out in typical outpatient clinic conditions which focused on cognitions. A randomised controlled trial compares 10 sessions of manualised cognitive behavioural treatment with a 12-week waiting list for adolescents and children with OCD. Assessors were blind to treatment allocation. 21 consecutive patients with OCD aged between 9 and 18 years were recruited. The group who received treatment improved more than a comparison group who waited for 3 months. The second group was treated subsequently using the same protocol and made similar gains. In conclusion, CBT can be delivered effectively to young people with OCD in typical outpatient settings.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by a grant (SPGS 808) from the National Health Service Responsive Funding Scheme to the first author.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Berkshire Healthcare NHS Trust, School of Psychology, University of Reading, Earley Gate, Reading, RG6 6AL, UK

    Tim I. Williams

  2. Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College, University of London, London, UK

    Paul M. Salkovskis & Liz Forrester

  3. Berkshire Adolescent Service, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Wokingham Hospital, Wokingham, UK

    Sam Turner, Hilary White & Mark A. Allsopp

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  1. Tim I. Williams
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  2. Paul M. Salkovskis
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  3. Liz Forrester
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  6. Mark A. Allsopp
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Correspondence to Tim I. Williams.

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Williams, T.I., Salkovskis, P.M., Forrester, L. et al. A randomised controlled trial of cognitive behavioural treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder in children and adolescents. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 19, 449–456 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-009-0077-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-009-0077-9

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