Cognitive-behavioral therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and adolescents

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common, chronic, and impairing condition in youth. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), now widely recognized as the gold standard intervention for childhood OCD, relies on exposure and response prevention, and also includes psychoeducation, creation of a symptom hierarchy, imaginal exposures, cognitive interventions, and a contingency management system. This article reviews the theoretical underpinnings of current CBT approaches, key components of treatment, developmental considerations specific to childhood OCD, and evidence supporting the use of this psychosocial intervention. The current state of knowledge will be aided by further study of predictors and mechanisms of CBT treatment response.