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FAMILY- BASED OCD INTERVENTION STUDY (POTS JR.)

WHAT IS POTS JR.?
The goal of this study is to test two different family-based therapy programs for young children with OCD symptoms. Participants receive either family-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) targeting children's OCD symptoms or family-based relaxation training (RT) aimed at general anxiety reduction and stress management. POTS Jr. is a research program sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health. Interventions are provided at no cost to you.

PATIENTS WHO MAY QUALIFY
Children 5-8 years of age with emerging OCD symptoms and their parents may qualify for POTS Jr.
Some symptoms include:

Excessive worries about:
Excessive repetitive behaviors:
  • Germs or getting sick
  • Being contaminated/poisoned
  • Harm coming to self
  • Harm coming to loved ones
  • Doing harmful things to others
  • Concerns of things being “just right” or “just so”
  • Constant reassurance seeking
    (e.g., Is this ok? Are you sure?)
  • Washing/Bathing/Dressing
  • Long, ritualized bedtime/goodbye routines
  • Need to constantly check things or perfectionist behaviors

POTS JR. INTERVENTIONS
If your child is eligible to participate in this study, he or she will be randomly assigned to receive either family-based CBT or RT. CBT is designed to address specific OCD symptoms with the expectation that broader feelings of anxiety may be improved. RT is designed to address generalized feelings of anxiety (including OCD) with the expectation that OCD symptoms may improve.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN AND WHEN?
If you consent, you and your child will be interviewed by a child psychologist over two clinic
visits to determine whether your child is eligible to participate. In addition to the interview, you
will be asked to fill out some questionnaires. For families who qualify, POTS Jr. involves a
14-week program at no cost, followed by check-ins at 3, 6, and 12 months after the intervention
is complete.

HOW TO GET MORE INFORMATION
Contact: Jeff Sapyta, PhD at (919) 668-0069 or jeffrey.sapyta@duke.edu
Pro 00001773

 

 
 

Duke University
Medical Center

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