OCD

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by involuntary intrusive thoughts. When a sufferer begins to acknowledge these intrusive thoughts, the sufferer then develops anxiety based on the dread that something bad will happen. The sufferer feels compelled to voluntarily perform irrational, time-consuming physical behaviors to diminish the anxiety.

ABC Child Partial Program

The ABC Partial Hospitalization Program for the Enhancement of Achievement, Behavior, and Cognition at the Neuropsychiatric Institute at UCLA is a short-term integrated program dedicated to assisting children aged 6-12 and their families to promote positive emotional and behavioral health.  Our program is based upon the most current evidence-based research. 

The ABC Program specializes in the assessment and treatment of a variety of psychological and developmental conditions and behaviors, including:

  • Mood Disorders
  • Anxiety Disorders, including OCD
  • ADHD
  • Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)
  • Autistic Spectrum Disorders
  • Developmental delays
  • Difficulties with impulse control and emotional regulation

The Program

The ABC Program is a year-round program with a high staff to child ratio.  Our program begins at 7:30am and ends at 2:30pm, Monday through Friday.  All aspects of the program are coordinated to create an individualized, comprehensive, multidisciplinary, and therapeutic environment. Our multi-disciplinary treatment team includes: psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, clinical social workers, occupational therapists, recreational therapists, and hospital assistants. 

 The ABC Program will provide your child with:

  • A behavior program designed to address your child's specific needs
  • Academic instruction
  • Occupational and recreational therapy groups
  • Therapeutic groups, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Group, Social Skills Group, and Mindfulness Group
  • Medication evaluation and intervention

Based on an assessment of your child’s needs, additional services may include:

  • Speech and language consultation
  • Psychological testing consultation
  • Educational consultation

The ABC Program will provide your family with:

  • Opportunities to observe your child in the program
  • Regular meetings with your treatment team
  • Parent training and parent support group
  • Assistance with transition back into the school and community
  • Family therapy

for more information, please visit: here

Family Focused Treatment for Childhood OCD

Project summary

OCD is among the most common disorders of childhood, and it affects both children and their families. Efforts to improve therapy outcomes for youth with OCD increasingly have attempted to augment individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with greater family involvement. Increased family participation is aimed at helping families to cope and manage childhood OCD effectively. This study examines whether adding family therapy to traditional individual CBT (the current gold standard) improves outcomes for youth with OCD.
Call 310-206-1350 or email ocdinfo@ucla.edu for more information.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Review and Approval
IRB Flyer: 
application/pdf iconocgas_flyer.pdf
Renewal Date: 
2009, April 30

OCD Collaborative Genetics Association Study OCD

Project summary

This UCLA Research Study, conducted by James McCracken, M.D., is investigating genetic factors that may increase the risk for OCD. We are seeking help from individuals with OCD (adults and children 8 years-old and up) and their parents to participate in this study. Participation involves an interview and blood draws, you will be compensated $145 for participants’ time. (310) 206-1350 for more information.

Contact the Childhood OCD, Anxiety and Tic Disorders Program at UCLA

300 Medical Plaza at UCLA UCLA Child OCD, Anxiety, and Tic Disorders Program
Semel Institute
760 Westwood Plaza, 67-467
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Phone: (310) 825-0122

Email us about...
OCD: ocdinfo@ucla.edu
Anxiety: anxietyinfo@ucla.edu
Tourette's/Tics: ticinfo@ucla.edu

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About Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is a disorder where the individual is plagued by uncontrollable obsessions and compulsions that interfere with his/her daily functioning. It is an anxiety disorder that can start at any age, although most commonly it begins in childhood through to early adulthood.

When Worry Hijacks The Brain

Media Article Link: 
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1649303,00.html

John Piacentini discusses use of anti-depressants and other prescription medication for treating children with OCD in Time Magazine