Obsessive-compulsive disorder in young children.

Abstract

this chapter focuses on young children (ages 5-8 years) with obsessivecompulsive disorder (OCD). first, we describe the clinical characteristics of young children with OCD. next, we review the assessment of young children with OCD, including ways in which assessment can be modified for this young population. finally, we discuss the treatment of young children with OCD, including an overview of a family-based cognitive-behavioral approach. CliniCAl ChArACtEriStiCS Clinical DescriptionOCD is a neurobiological disorder with a lifetime prevalence of 1% to 2% in children and adolescents (Zohar, 1999). Point prevalence estimates of