Parent experiences of attending a specialist clinic for assessment of their child's obsessive compulsive disorder.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There are few published studies that have examined parental satisfaction with child mental health assessment. This study reports parental satisfaction with assessment in a national and specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders. METHOD: Forty parents completed a specially developed questionnaire designed to assess expectations and experiences of attending a specialist assessment. RESULTS: High levels of satisfaction were reported. Common expectations of the assessment included advice or information about the treatment of OCD, a diagnosis or understanding of the child's problems, and an offer of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of parents reported that their expectations were met, and some suggestions for improvement to the service were noted.