OCD Pioneer Dr. Judith Rapoport Dies at 92

Dr. Judith Rapoport, a pioneering child psychiatrist, passed away at the age of 92. She is widely recognized for bringing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) into public consciousness through her influential 1989 book, "The Boy Who Couldn't Stop Washing." This work, translated into numerous languages, demystified OCD for a general audience.

Rapoport's groundbreaking research shifted the understanding of OCD from a purely psychological cause, such as strict upbringing, to a recognized neurological disorder. She demonstrated that OCD could have a genetic component and be effectively treated with medication. Her pivotal role in a 1989 drug trial led to the US Food and Drug Administration's approval of clomipramine, an antidepressant, for OCD treatment.

Beyond OCD, Rapoport also contributed significantly to the study of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and childhood schizophrenia. Her studies challenged existing medical orthodoxies by investigating the biological underpinnings of these conditions. She advocated for a focus on brain biology rather than Freudian psychoanalytic models, transforming child psychiatry into a more evidence-based discipline.

Rapoport's career, largely spent at the National Institute of Mental Health, saw her head the newly established child psychiatry branch. She published over 300 scientific papers and several medical books. Despite facing early sexism in her medical education, she rose to prominence, earning accolades such as fellowships in prestigious institutes. Her legacy lies in reducing stigma and advancing the biological understanding of mental illness in children.