Obsessive compulsive disorder is a common psychiatric illness that has become recognized among adolescents. The onset of the disorder typically occurs in adulthood but many findings have reported the onset during childhood. Obsessive compulsive disorders can have a negative effect on an individual’s quality of life if it goes untreated. Early detection of this disorder can be beneficial to the client by helping them to cope and understand that the disorder is treatable. Cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy are two evidence-based approaches that have been used to treat adolescents who present with obsessive compulsive disorder. Many studies have discovered that both approaches can be used alone or together, to effectively help with the symptoms of the disorder.
Keywords: obsessive compulsive disorder, obsessions, compulsions, adolescents, cognitive behavioral therapy, pharmacotherapy, treatment
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Among Adolescents and the Application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Pharmacotherapy
Introduction and Overview …show more content…
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is currently being recognized as one of the most common psychiatric illnesses among adolescents.
OCD is a chronic and incapacitating disorder that is characterized by the presence of recurring obsessions and compulsions. The obsessions that are associated with this disorder consists of images, impulses, or thoughts that lead to anxiety or distress. Common symptoms of obsessions include a fear of germs, aggressive thoughts towards oneself or others, taboo thoughts, and the individual ensures that things are in perfect order. The compulsions associated with OCD are behaviors that are anticipated to prevent or lessen the anxiety or distress. Common compulsions consist of excessive handwashing or cleaning, incontrollable counting, arranging things in a specific way, and constantly checking on things over and over
again.