OCD is a common but complex psychiatric condition that can be challenging to diagnose and treat effectively. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and pharmacotherapy are first-line treatments but require an OCD-specific approach for maximum efficacy. This focused workshop will briefly review the “basics” of OCD including diagnosis and how pharmacotherapy critically differs from treatment of mood disorders and other conditions. Key principles in CBT for OCD will be outlined, with the goal of enabling practitioners with limited time/experience to introduce CBT to patients with use of self-help materials. This will be followed by a discussion of how to effectively support and optimize therapy using virtual platforms in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Use of smaller breakout rooms will provide some opportunity for discussion of attendees’ challenges with OCD in their individual practice settings.
Learning Objectives:
Describe and recognize common OCD presentations
Review the benefits and limitations of current first-line treatment options for OCD
Outline a number of treatment options for patients who fail initial pharmacotherapy
Discuss delivery of cognitive-behavioural therapy in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the era of virtual care
Full Program overview: https://eopa.ca/events/event-calendar/opa-expert-series-2021/welcome
