Judith L. Rapoport

American psychiatrist and researcher

Judith L. Rapoport

Judith L. Rapoport is a prominent American psychiatrist and researcher known for her pioneering work in the field of child psychiatry and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Her research has significantly contributed to the understanding of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents.

Early Life and Education

Judith L. Rapoport was born in 1933. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Swarthmore College, where she developed an interest in the biological basis of behavior. She went on to earn her medical degree from Harvard Medical School, where she was one of the few women in her class. Her early exposure to the field of psychiatry during her medical training sparked her interest in child and adolescent psychiatry.

Career

Rapoport began her career at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), where she has spent the majority of her professional life. At NIMH, she served as the Chief of the Child Psychiatry Branch. Her work at NIMH has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of psychiatric disorders in children.

Research on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Rapoport is perhaps best known for her research on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Her book, The Boy Who Couldn't Stop Washing, brought attention to OCD and helped destigmatize the disorder. Her research demonstrated that OCD is a biological disorder that can be effectively treated with medication and therapy.

Contributions to Child Psychiatry

In addition to her work on OCD, Rapoport has conducted extensive research on other psychiatric disorders in children, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and childhood schizophrenia. Her studies have helped to elucidate the developmental aspects of these disorders and have informed treatment approaches.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Rapoport has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to psychiatry. She is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and has been recognized by various professional organizations for her groundbreaking research.

Personal Life

Judith L. Rapoport is married and has children. She has balanced her professional career with her family life, often speaking about the challenges and rewards of being a woman in science.

Related Pages

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Child psychiatry
• National Institute of Mental Health
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder