The Effect of Family Participation on the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy of Children with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Abstract

Background: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a time-consuming and severe mental illness that causes significant distress and impaired functioning. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of family-based cognitive-behavioral therapy on the symptoms and functions of children with OCD. Materials and Methods: The research plan was single-case or single-subject. The statistical population of this research included all the children with OCD within the age range of 7-12 years who referred to counseling and psychiatric centers in Ahvaz, Iran, in 2020. In total, four children who were diagnosed with OCD were selected by the available sampling method and received family-based cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention in 12 sessions. In this study, the required data were collected using Yale-Brown Child Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Scale and the Child Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Impact Scale. Data analysis was performed using visual charting or graphical analysis methods, reliable change index, and percentage of improvement. Results: The results showed that a reliable change index was significant for symptoms and function in treatment and follow-up (P<0.05). Moreover, the percentage of overall improvement showed the effectiveness of family-based cognitive-behavioral therapy on the symptoms and function of children with OCD in treatment and follow-up stages. All four children were in the successful treatment category based on the Classification of Blanchard. Conclusion: Family-based cognitive-behavioral therapy can be beneficial and effective on the symptoms and function of children with OCD.