CBT for pediatric OCD: Extending the reach and effectiveness of treatment

Pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic and disabling mental health condition which has a profound impact on the quality of life for patients and families. This day-long program will focus on recent findings and clinical application of these empirically supported methods in the treatment of OCD in children and adolescents. The morning will begin with a critical review of the pediatric OCD treatment literature, including the key randomized trials that have established the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), both alone and in combination with concomitant serotonin...Read more reuptake inhibitors (SRIs), and extensions of the literature to include data on telehealth applications. Evidence for the rates of and potential influence of psychiatric comorbidity on acute and long-term treatment outcome will be discussed, along with some of the empirically supported strategies that should be brought to bear to mitigate their potentially pernicious effects, including a novel, empirically supported digital therapist tool (OC-Go) shown to facilitate out-of-session exposure homework and thereby produce more robust treatment outcomes. In the afternoon the presenters will shift to focus on more detailed clinical applications, starting with an overview of common clinical pitfalls that threaten optimal outcomes and clinical recommendations to navigate around these risk factors. Family factors associated with poorer OCD outcomes will be explored along with clinical recommendations to address these concerns. The day will conclude with a dedicated Q&A session for audience members to discuss theoretical and clinical issues including case presentations. Less...

Learning Objectives

• Describe the three treatment approaches with the most empirical support in the treatment of pediatric OCD.
• Recognize at least two the most common psychiatric comorbidities identified in research trials in pediatric OCD and the accompanying clinical strategies to mitigate their effects.
• Summarize the clinical strategies used to address each of the predictors of negative response, and name the three approaches when these strategies do not improve outcome
• Recognize the potential value of telehealth treatments in mitigating at least two crucial barriers to care.
• Describe family accommodation at various stages of treatment and name at least two empirically supported techniques to encourage families to work towards productive solutions in treatment.

Learning Levels

• Intermediate

Friday, April 26, 2024

08:30 AM PDT - 04:00 PM PDT