Cognitive-behavioral therapy for PANDAS-related obsessive-compulsive disorder: Findings from a preliminary waitlist controlled open trial

Eric A. Storch, Tanya K. Murphy, Gary R. Geffken, Giselle Mann, Jennifer Adkins, Lisa J. Merlo, Danny Duke, Melissa Munson, Zoe Swaine, Wayne K. Goodman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

51 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To provide preliminary estimates of the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) of the pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcus (PANDAS) subtype. METHOD: Seven children with OCD of the PANDAS subtype (range 9-13 years) were treated in a 3-week intensive CBT program conducted at a university clinic. Six of seven children were taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medication(s) upon presentation. Assessments were conducted at four time points: baseline, pretreatment approximately 4 weeks later, posttreatment, and 3-month follow-up. Raters were blind to the nature of the study treatment. RESULTS: Six of seven participants were classified as treatment responders (much or very much improved) at posttreatment, and three of six remained responders at follow-up. Clinician severity ratings, as measured by the Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale and Anxiety Disorder Interview Schedule for DSM-IV Child Interview Schedule-Parent version, decreased significantly following intervention, with effect sizes of 3.38 and 2.29, respectively. Self-reported general anxiety and depression symptoms were not significantly reduced. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary support for CBT in treating the PANDAS subtype of pediatric OCD. This approach is also considered a safe and minimally invasive treatment approach.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1171-1178
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Volume45
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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