WORKSHOP: Beyond Basics: What Every Psychiatrist Needs to Know about OCD Treatment

Learning Objectives

1. Facilitate understanding of the OCD cycle, the essentials of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, and how paradoxical, counterintuitive strategies help patients cope with uncertainty and doubt;

2. Learn about the problematic role of Family Accommodation (FA) and how loved ones get stuck in the OCD cycle too; and

3. Offer an educational package consisting of resources to share with your patients to assist with their treatment progress.

Literature References

1. Abramowitz, J. S. (2021). The family guide to getting over OCD: reclaim your life and help your loved one . The Guilford Press.

2. Craske, M. G., Treanor, M., Conway, C. C., Zbozinek, T., & Vervliet, B. (2014). Maximizing exposure therapy: an inhibitory learning approach. Behaviour research and therapy, 58, 10-23.

3. Wilson, R. (2014). A new model for the initiation of treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder: An exploratory study. Journal of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, 3, 332-337.

Abstract

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide and can have a profound impact on the quality of life for patients and their family members. It is a highly misunderstood neurobiological disorder that shows up in a multitude of ways that many clinicians do not appreciate. Significant delays to diagnosis are common. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) stands as a gold standard treatment for OCD. Despite its proven efficacy, a scarcity of trained mental health professionals persists. Our presentation aims to demystify the OCD cycle, revealing how paradoxical and counterintuitive strategies can remarkably benefit patients with this disorder. We spotlight the often overlooked role of Family Accommodation (FA), where well-meaning loved ones unintentionally perpetuate OCD, impeding effective treatment. We conclude our workshop by providing you with a wealth of educational resources designed for patient sharing and incorporation into your clinical practice.