Engaging Preschool and Early Elementary School-Aged Children in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

Abstract

Engaging children and caregivers in exposure and response-prevention (ERP) is a critical element in effective treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in young children. Several clinical challenges pose barriers to participation and implementation of successful treatment such as specific parenting behaviors (e.g., accommodation of obsessions and compulsions) and child motivation for treatment. The authors offer strategies to address common clinical challenges in engaging young children with OCD and to promote effective implementation of ERP with children and caregivers.

Conceptualizing Co-occurring Autism Spectrum Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Gender Diversity in Adolescents: A Narrative Review

“…Simplified rating scales may be more appropriate and have demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of OCD with younger children. 101 Simpler scales may use "easy, medium, hard," "thumbs up, down, or in the middle," or "green light, yellow light, red light" ratings. The therapist may ask for a simplified rating, a report of the patient's physiological activation, and a family member input to determine the next step in treatment.…”

Increasing Demand for Specialized Psychological Services Mandates Increasing Specialization at the Doctoral Level of Training

“…Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be among the most treatment-resistant anxiety disorders, and treatment is complicated when the condition occurs at younger ages. Metcalfe et al (2022) outline a protocol for managing a seven-year-old with OCD using Exposure and Response Prevention techniques. Given that parental involvement is essential in treatment for a child of this age, they outline specific steps to engage parents in treatment.…”