Cognitive-Behavioural Approach to the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by thoughts that cause fear (obsessions or intrusive thoughts) and/or behaviour or mental rituals performed in order to reduce fear or to avoid terrible consequences (compulsions). Obsessive thoughts usually cause compulsive actions. OCD usually occurs between early adolescence and early adulthood; however, it appears in childhood as well. The aim of this article was to present the basis of understanding, conceptualization, techniques and evaluation in the cognitive-behavioural approach through the description of psychotherapeutic treatment of a girl with OCD. This case study describes an 11-year-old girl who was in psychotherapy treatment for a year and a half. The goals of psychotherapy treatment were to educate the girl and her mother about OCD, encourage more adequate coping with obsessive thoughts, delay or cancel the compulsions and improve daily functioning by increasing the number of situations with which the girl was faced. Applied techniques included a range of behavioural and cognitive interventions with the purpose of gradual exposure and cognitive restructuring, with particular emphasis on the four-step method. Cognitive-behavioural therapy achieved better daily functioning in all areas.