Join this social activity to meet other adults affected by OCD, and get competitive with this team trivia game. Sign up as a team (up to 6 people), or come as an individual and we will find a team for you. Open to all conference attendees, age 21+.
OCD wears many hats! It is a highly complex disorder with many different types of obsessions and compulsions. Most clinicians, families, and the general public know the more common content areas of OCD, such as contamination and arranging obsessions. Yet, some symptoms are puzzling and knowing when they do or do not fall under the OCD umbrella can be quite challenging. This presentation will provide examples of symptoms of OCD that may easily be confused with other diagnoses. We will help distinguish the OCD patterns from other difficulties, including behavioral concerns, eating restrictions, suicidal thoughts, aggressive tendencies, body focused repetitive behaviors, tics, and interests or preferences.
Led by the IOCDF’s spokespeople, this orientation is for adults with OCD, family members, social supports, and treatment providers. The presenters will discuss the logistics of the conference: the who, what, where, why, and how. Presenters will also answer questions about the IOCDF, specific sessions, and anything else related to the conference.
This presentation features four recent findings on the psychopathology and treatment of BDD. First, Ms. Weingarden will present data examining general shame and body shame as predictors of BDD severity and outcomes. Second, Dr. Cougle will share his findings on "not-just-right-experiences" (uncomfortable feelings of incompleteness, imperfection, or perceptions that the environment is not as it should be), and discuss their role in BDD. Third, Dr. Phillips will present data on motives for drug use in BDD. Lastly, Dr. Wilhelm will present findings on mechanisms underlying symptom change in cognitive-behavioral therapy for BDD. Dr. Fang will moderate the discussion and draw key themes across these studies to advance our understanding of BDD mechanisms and treatment.
It has been nearly 50 years since Lopez-Ibor published the clinical observation that clomipramine appeared effective in OCD. In 1976, Yaryura-Tobias hypothesized that clomipramine’s effects on serotonin were central to its efficacy in OCD. In 1986, the IOCDF was formed in the context of large-scale clinical trials of clomipramine and other randomized controlled studies of what was then a new generation of SSRIs, such as fluvoxamine. Given that this year marks the 30th Anniversary of the IOCDF, this talk will reflect on what we have learned about medication treatment for OCD and chart a path to the future. The number of available research-proven options are few, and thus the panel of experts will focus mostly on strategies for future drug and device development.
Throughout this conference weekend, attendees will be offered many opportunities to learn about the treatment of choice for OCD: Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Challenging? Anxiety provoking? Stressful? Yes, those words are often used to describe the process, but so are rewarding, life-changing, and transformative. In this workshop, the role of exposure therapy will be discussed specifically as it relates to the treatment of BDD. While the presenters will provide a brief overview of how it works, the primary focus will be on experiential learning. Participants will be strongly encouraged to participate, whether they have BDD or are helping someone who does. This will all take place in an environment that is both supportive and respectful.
It has been 50 years since the first study on exposure and response prevention (ERP) treatment for OCD was published. Since that time, OCD has been transformed from an unmanageable problem to a largely treatable condition. This panel assembles experts in the field of ERP for OCD to discuss developments in this treatment approach over the past 50 years. Panelists will reflect on the most significant contributions to the field as it has evolved, the impact of recent advances and findings in the field (e.g., inhibitory learning approaches), and their predictions for what the next 50 years will hold regarding ERP and the treatment of OCD. Audience participation and questions will be encouraged.
Many OCD sufferers struggle in silence because their compulsions are silent or covert. This can lead to feeling isolated even within the OCD community, to misdiagnosis, and inadequate treatment. Understanding the role mental rituals play in all forms of OCD can be the key to accessing and using the right CBT tools. This panel consists of OCD specialist therapists who will discuss the research and clinical applications for addressing mental rituals, as well as personal reflections from those who have struggled and developed mastery over those rituals. Several common mental rituals will be identified and explained, and specific treatment interventions will be described, followed by a Q&A session.
View slides here: http://www.slideshare.net/IOCDF/jon-hershfield-mind-washing-mastering-the-unique-challenges-of-metal-rituals
After the challenging work of ERP, you want to be done. But, you will slip – slipping is a normal process, and it happens for any behavior one tries to change (e.g., diets, exercise programs, smoking cessation, etc.). If slipping meant OCD returned in full force and propelled you back to dysfunction, that would be devastating. But, this isn't the case. The trick is early detection of warning signs and quick response to slips. In this interactive workshop attendees, will identify the triggers leading to slips. Roleplays will help them learn to recognize the OCDemon, who tries to trick you into turning small lapses into full scale relapse. Attendees will be interactively guided through the process of developing their own relapse prevention/recovery plan.
This presentation will provide the opportunity to ask questions about OCD and get answers from two leading OCD experts. Dr. James Claiborn, and Dr. Michael Jenike will attempt to answer any questions about OCD and related topics in a live exchange with the audience.
Our talk will consist of an informative presentation by a forensic psychiatrist on the rights of people with OCD and related disorders under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and on the options they have based on how severe their OCD may be. We will then discuss the path to implementing those rights at school, college, and the workplace. We will share examples from several people about the hoops they had to endure before these rights were granted, and will present the outcomes of the requests and some helpful tips from lessons learned. Audience members will be encouraged to share their experiences and ask questions.
As OCD therapists, we're good at asking our clients to put themselves in unusual, sometimes uncomfortable, positions — usually in terms of how they think and behave. What if we could boost that by doing the same with their bodies? Learn about a novel approach to OCD treatment that incorporates yoga, which does more than just relax the body, it strengthens the brain's executive functioning skills (even more so than traditional physical activities). Get tips on how to incorporate yoga with your CBT/ERP practice and learn first-hand by participating in a mini-session led by a certified yoga instructor and LPC who will guide the group through yoga's three basic elements: Posture, breathing & meditation. Q&A opportunity to follow the practice.
YOGA MATS WILL BE PROVIDED (OR YOU CAN BRING YOUR OWN)!
Heighten your anxiety in order to lower your anxiety. If you need to leave, you need to stay. Do on purpose what you are afraid you'll do by accident. Gain control by letting go of control. The understanding and treatment of OCD is full of counterintuitive concepts that are difficult for most people, at least initially, to understand and accept. This presentation reviews how “thinking backwards” not only makes sense in the treatment of OCD, but that it is the most powerful strategy for undermining the disorder and moving towards recovery. Multiple illustrations from actual OCD cases will be reviewed so that participants may clearly see specific applications in the real world of OCD.
Individuals with OCD often battle drug and/or alcohol addiction, depression, and thoughts of suicide and self-harm. This discussion is dedicated to the memory of Riley, who was an integral part of speaking out and bringing awareness to the comorbidity of OCD and addiction. His mother, Margaret, will share Riley's story including his struggles with both OCD and addiction. Chris will speak to his experiences with OCD, depression, and a suicide attempt. Liz will speak about her battles with suicidal ideation and depression due to her OCD. This panel is for individuals, families, and professionals, and will focus on removing stigma, asking for support, and getting the proper treatment in these tough situations.
In the past, OCD characterized primarily by intrusive, unwanted, troubling thoughts of a harming, sexual, or religious/moral nature, with no observable rituals, was considered difficult or impossible to treat. Sufferers were often misdiagnosed, not properly treated, and left feeling tormented and ashamed. In fact, primarily obsessional OCD can be successfully treated. This workshop – geared toward mental health professionals but also valuable for individuals with OCD – will address using CBT, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approaches in treating primarily obsessional OCD. It will also include a roleplay demonstration using an imaginal exposure.
View slides here: http://www.slideshare.net/IOCDF/patricia-perrin-cbt-for-ocd-characterized-primarily-by-intrusive-thoughts-using-erp-and-act-approaches
We should all begin addressing OCD with the least expensive and least time-consuming intervention, and progress to costlier treatment as needed. One initial step is a simple, active, paradoxical self-help protocol that lets patients generate their own set of homework assignments to challenge the dominance of the disorder moment-by-moment. The four components of this model will be presented. “Step Back” refers to the ability to gain perspective in the moment of distress. “Want It” emphasizes the intention to access an emotional state counter to fear. “Step Forward” implies the typical assignment of exposure, while adding this new point of view. “Be Cunning” suggests specific tactics in the moment of doubt and distress.
View the slides here: http://www.slideshare.net/IOCDF/reid-wilson-step-back-want-it-step-forward-be-cunning
Taboo obsessions are called “taboo” for a reason – they embarrass those who suffer from them, causing them to hide their pain in shame, sometimes for decades. Their fear of being judged and ostracized keeps them silent, often until they finally understand that the thoughts can be treated under the diagnosis of OCD. Panel participants have all struggled with taboo thoughts and managed to largely overcome them – but not without some confusion and pitfalls along the way. They'll share their personal stories as well as their strategies for success, and will take questions from the audience.
The DSM V created a brand new category for diagnoses – OCD and Related Disorders. This category includes OCD, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), Hoarding Disorder, Hair Pulling Disorder (trichotillomania), and Skin Picking Disorder (excoriation). Each disorder shares the commonality of repetitive behaviors, though the specific nature of each disorder varies. What these disorders do share is a limited response to medication. Treatment resistant OCD and Related Disorders are almost the norm rather than the exception. While there is overlap in the pharmacologic treatment of these disorders, there are also important difference. The panel will discuss pharmacologic approaches to treatment resistance in all OCD and Related Disorders. This will be followed by audience Q&A.
When David Adam published a book in 2014 about his experiences with OCD, he was not prepared for what came next. Hundreds of people with the condition got in touch, schools asked him to talk to their children, the International OCD Foundation gave him an award and his book was discussed by academics and used as an example of how a new generation is determined to challenge the stigma of mental illness. And all David thought he had done was, as a journalist, to try to tell an honest story. What does it say about the state of the media and public understanding that simple truths are heralded in this way? Join David for an illuminating and entertaining tale of his journey through OCD — from a patient to accidental advocate for others.
Before the Conference excitement wears off, let’s celebrate the highlights of this year’s conference program while also discussing ways to stay connected to each other throughout the year. Hosted by the IOCDF Spokespeople, this Podcast will give attendees the chance to contribute their own highlights from the Conference. We will be asking questions on social media throughout the Conference weekend leading up to the broadcast — using the #OCDcon hashtag — about the biggest takeaways you learned at this year’s conference, what your favorite parts of the conference were, and more. And we will talk about strategies for creating and nurturing your own network after the conference, whether that network is online, in a support group, or via a local affiliate.
