GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION

This is an introductory course for psychotherapists on the identification and treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Not only are typical symptoms of OCD reviewed but common psychiatric features, as well as more atypical presentations are also summarized. Various treatments for this disorder, ranging from pharmacological and behavioral to surgical, are also noted.

The first set of articles in this intermediate level course provides a broad definition, description, and etiology for OCD. The second set of articles provides insight into more specialized presentations of OCD and compulsive behaviors. Another article reviews some of the treatment options for OCD. The next set of articles presents information for the identification and treatment of OCD in children. The final article provides resources for both lay and professional populations.

 
Educational Objectives:

This course will teach psychotherapists to
• Identify, assess and diagnose Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
• Summarize common accompanying psychiatric features of OCD.
• Identify the many ways in which OCD may be represented behaviorally.
• Compare the various interventions available for the treatment of OCD.

Course Syllabus:

1. Diagnosis and Treatment of OCD
2. Accompanying psychiatric features of OCD
   • Chronic Motor Tics
   • Tourette’s Disorder
   • Major Depression
   • BiPolar Disorder
   • Panic Disorder
   • Social Anxiety Disorder
   • Schizophrenia
   • Substance Use Disorders
   • Asperger’s and Autism
   • Personality Disorders
   • Neurological Conditions affecting OCD
3. Diverse presentations of anxiety and OCD
   • Compulsive hoarding
   • Compulsive shopping
   • Compulsive lying
   • Compulsive gambling
   • Sexual addiction or compulsive sexual behavior
   • Shoplifting
   • Trichotillomania
4. Interventions for OCD
   • Pharmacotherapy
   • Psychotherapy
   • Neurosurgical alternatives
5. OCD and Special Populations
   • Children and Adolescents
6. Resources

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