Behavior Therapy for Children with OCD and Disruptive Behavior

Yale Child Study Center is conducting a research study of Behavior Therapy and Parenting Training for children with OCD and disruptive behavior. This is a psychological intervention that consists of 6 sessions conducted with the parent and 12 sessions conducted with the child.

Purpose of the Study

Although OCD is characterized by intrusive thoughts or images (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce distress, children with OCD sometimes have problems with disruptive behavior such as oppositional, noncompliant, and argumentative behavior. In some cases disruptive behaviors may be more problematic than obsessions and compulsions. Therefore, we are conducting a study of a psychological treatment that targets both OCD symptoms and disruptive behavior. The goals of Behavior Therapy are to reduce frequency and intensity of the child's obsessions and compulsions. The goals of Parenting Training are to reduce the child's noncompliance and disruptive behavior.

Primary Criteria for Participation

• Age 8 to 14
• Diagnosis of OCD
• Disruptive behavior such as noncompliance, anger, argumentativeness
• If on medication, current dosage must be stable

Procedures of the Study

Families will be randomly assigned (like the flip of a coin) to receive Parenting Training either before or after they receive Behavior Therapy. All families will also receive weekly evaluations to monitor the levels of OCD symptoms and the levels of disruptive behavior. These evaluations involve an interview with a clinician and filling out brief rating forms. There will be a total of 22 to 28 weekly visits to Yale Child Study Center. Each visit will take approximately one hour.

The Parenting Training and Behavior Therapy that are provided as part of this study are free. Participants will be paid $20 for each study visit to cover expenses such as parking and travel.

If you are interested in the study please contact:

Denis G. Sukhodolsky, Ph.D.
Tel: (203) 785-6446
e-mail: Denis.Sukhodolsky@Yale.edu

During this telephone interaction we will provide further information about this study. If you are interested in the project, we will ask you about your child's age, behavioral problems, and current treatment. If you are interested in being in this study after discussing it on the telephone, we will invite you for a screening evaluation at the Yale Child Study Center.