SMILES: A Child-Centered OCD Recovery Model Derived Through Thematic Analysis

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in youth presents unique treatment challenges.
• Individualized care is essential for children and adolescents with OCD.
• A structured recovery model is needed to support young patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the subjective meaning of recovery for children and adolescents with OCD.
• To develop a recovery model tailored to the specific needs of pediatric OCD patients.
• To enhance the clinical support provided to young individuals undergoing OCD treatment.

Main Methods:

• Purposive sampling recruited 10 participants (5 children, 5 adolescents) with OCD in remission.
• Thematic analysis of interview data identified key recovery components.
• A conceptual model, SMILES, was synthesized from the identified themes.

Main Results:

• Participants identified six core areas of recovery: Sense of self, Mental Health and Well-being, Institution of school, Lifestyle, Extracurricular, and Social.
• These components form the basis of the SMILES recovery model.
• The SMILES model offers two formats: Rainbow Recovery and Blooming Recovery.

Conclusions:

• The SMILES model provides a framework for understanding and supporting recovery in pediatric OCD.
• It can improve clinical practice by fostering connections with young patients.
• The model facilitates the delivery of holistic and individualized care for children and adolescents with OCD.