What is a common treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), specifically exposure and response prevention (ERP), is considered one of the most effective treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children. While it appears that SSRIs are selected as the answer, it is important to emphasize that in practice, these two treatment modalities are often used in conjunction.

SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are commonly prescribed to treat OCD as they help manage symptoms by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can help alleviate anxiety and obsessive thoughts. They are well-researched and deemed safe for use in the pediatric population, making them a standard pharmacological option when therapy alone is insufficient.

Stimulants are typically used for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) rather than OCD, thus making their use inappropriate in this context. Antipsychotics are not first-line treatments for OCD and are mainly utilized for conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

For effective management of OCD, especially in children, a comprehensive approach typically includes both cognitive-behavioral therapy and SSRIs as a means to address the disorder thoroughly.