
Judith L. Rapoport
American psychiatrist and best-selling author
- Lifespan
- July 12, 1933 – March 7, 2026Jul 12, 1933 – Mar 7, 2026
- Location
- Washington, D.C., U.S.WA, D.C., U.S.

American psychiatrist and best-selling author
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Key moments and achievements from Judith Rapoport's life.
Judith was born
· Washington, D.C., U.S.
Life Event
Judith Rapoport began her career as a psychiatrist, focusing on understanding childhood mental health disorders through rigorous scientific research. Her early work in child psychiatry would eventually transform public understanding of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Life Event
Judith Rapoport began her career as a psychiatrist, focusing on understanding childhood mental health disorders through rigorous scientific research. Her early work in child psychiatry would eventually transform public understanding of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Life Event
In 1984, Dr. Rapoport became head of the Child Psychiatry Branch at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), a position she would hold for over three decades until her retirement in 2017. Under her leadership, the branch became a world leader in pediatric mental health research.
Life Event
In 1984, Dr. Rapoport became head of the Child Psychiatry Branch at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), a position she would hold for over three decades until her retirement in 2017. Under her leadership, the branch became a world leader in pediatric mental health research.
Life Event
While working at the NIH, Rapoport wrote "The Boy Who Couldn't Stop Washing," a groundbreaking study of OCD that became a bestseller and helped bring wide attention to the disorder. John Walkup, president of the AACAP, said she "essentially brought that disorder to light in the United States and around the world."
Life Event
While working at the NIH, Rapoport wrote "The Boy Who Couldn't Stop Washing," a groundbreaking study of OCD that became a bestseller and helped bring wide attention to the disorder. John Walkup, president of the AACAP, said she "essentially brought that disorder to light in the United States and around the world."
Life Event
Dr. Rapoport conducted groundbreaking research on childhood-onset schizophrenia at the NIMH, contributing significantly to the scientific understanding of this rare and devastating condition. Her work helped establish diagnostic criteria and treatment approaches used worldwide.
Life Event
Dr. Rapoport conducted groundbreaking research on childhood-onset schizophrenia at the NIMH, contributing significantly to the scientific understanding of this rare and devastating condition. Her work helped establish diagnostic criteria and treatment approaches used worldwide.
Life Event
In addition to her work on OCD and schizophrenia, Rapoport made significant contributions to research on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), further establishing her as one of the most influential child psychiatrists of her generation.
Life Event
In addition to her work on OCD and schizophrenia, Rapoport made significant contributions to research on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), further establishing her as one of the most influential child psychiatrists of her generation.
Life Event
Dr. Rapoport retired from the National Institute of Mental Health in 2017 after leading the Child Psychiatry Branch for 33 years. Her tenure produced transformative research that changed how the world understands and treats childhood mental health disorders.
Life Event
Dr. Rapoport retired from the National Institute of Mental Health in 2017 after leading the Child Psychiatry Branch for 33 years. Her tenure produced transformative research that changed how the world understands and treats childhood mental health disorders.
Judith Rapoport passed away