OCD Treatment Study

Meet one of our OCD experts, Dr. Anthony Puliafico, to learn more about his work at our program via this video.

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

We all have habits and routines; however, people with OCD have habits and routines that get in the way of their daily lives. If your child's day to day life is affected by these symptoms, OCD may be the cause.

The symptoms of OCD include:

  • Obsessions: Repeated and unwanted ideas, impulses or thoughts that cause nervousness or fear (ex: fear of germs/diseases, concerns about evenness, fear of harming others)
  • Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors performed in an attempt to get rid of the uncomfortable fears or thoughts (ex: hand washing, checking, counting)

Treatment for Pediatric OCD

Much research has been done to determine the best interventions for reducing OCD symptoms in children and adolescents. With treatment, youth can resume daily activities with less bothersome obsessions and compulsions.

First-line, evidence-based treatments include:

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
  • Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SRI) medications such as Zoloft, Prozac, Luvox, Celexa, Lexapro, Paxil or Anafranil

What Do We Do?

The Y-TEAM Program is dedicated to improving the lives of youth with OCD by conducting cutting-edge research to transform how we understand and treat OCD.

Current Research Treatment Programs

We currently offer treatment through the following research programs:

 Click here for Adult OCD Studies