week 8 response 2

Case Scenario 2: Sue is an 11-year-old who was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder two years ago. She is currently being managed with cognitive therapy and medication.

• Compare the characteristics of generalized anxiety disorder with obsessive compulsive disorder.

• What medications have been approved for managing obsessive compulsive disorder in children her age?

• What are the common side effects of these medications? • How has cognitive behavioral therapy, coupled with a medication, shown to be

effective for treatment in the pediatric population

Generalized anxiety disorder is a cognitive and obsessive cause of anxiety and worry affecting events or activities, children with this condition appear to be “worriers” or being overwhelmed, symptoms are; worry about future events, poor sleep, irritability, extreme self-consciousness, poor concentration, somatic complaints with no physical cause. Obsessive compulsive disorder are repetitive or recurrent thoughts, impulses and images which affects a child focus and attention, repetitive behaviors are performed to help reduce anxiety these includes, washing hands, arranging objects, recurrent worries, rituals, etc. Unlike OCD, generalized anxiety disorder has no true compulsions whiles OCD are worry with compulsions ( Maaks et al, 2019). Medications approved for managing obsessive compulsive disorder in children her age are, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, and sertraline. Common side effects are, upset stomach, headache, sleep problems, sense of restlessness, possible increased anxiety at start of treatment, impulsive and possibility of serotonin syndrome such as fever, confusions, elevated heart rate and shakiness, etc. Cognitive behavioral therapy provides a holistic treatment plan which identifies and treats psychological and biological determinants where medication helps in mental health symptom management, these two applied together in a treatment plan of a patient enhances results an improves overall wellbeing of a patient. It is important to discuss with guardian and/or patient that this treatment plan will take a while before changes are seen, comprehensive assessment will be done, adherence to CBT and medication will be highly emphasized alongside identifying side effects and ongoing evaluation will be to determine if adjustment must be done ( Kids First, 2025). CBT is designed to help face fears and minimize compulsions and medications helps manage the underlying anxiety concerns. Combination of these two therapies can increase efficacy and help one achieve long term goals in managing OCD better.

References

(2025, February 28). Kids First ABA Therapy Services in New York. Combining CBT with Medication: What to Expect - Kids First. Retrieved April 22, 2026, from http://www.kidsfirstservices.com/first-insights/combining-cbt-with-medication-what- to-expectLinks to an external site.

Maaks, D.L. G., Starr, N., & Gaylord, N. (2019). Burns' Pediatric Primary Care (7th ed.). Elsevier - Evolve. Retrieved on April 22, 2026 from https://online.vitalsource.com/books/9780323581967Links to an external site.