Judith L. Rapoport's Legacy in Child Psychiatry and Neuropsychiatric Research
Judith L. Rapoport, a pioneering figure in child psychiatry and neuropsychiatric research, passed away on March 7, 2026. Rapoport's work at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) significantly advanced the understanding and treatment of disorders such as ADHD, OCD, and childhood-onset schizophrenia. Her research demonstrated the effectiveness of the antidepressant clomipramine in treating OCD in children and adolescents, leading to its FDA approval. Rapoport's team also used MRI technology to study brain development, revealing that many neuropsychiatric disorders are linked to abnormal growth trajectories. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on the field, influencing treatment approaches and research methodologies.