Obsessive compulsive disorder in children and adolescents: issues in management.

Clinical experience with children and adolescents with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) suggests the need for long-term care. In addition to maintenance drug treatment, behavior therapy and family counseling are usually indicated. Family counseling can help prevent the avoidant behavior that is a serious complication of OCD. The outcome for OCD in children and adolescents has been improved by the use of these active long-term therapies.