About the workshop
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder was once believed to be a rare psychiatric illness, though it is now estimated that approximately 2-3 million people in the United States have it. Compulsive checking, cleaning, and counting are among the manifestations of the disorder which people often think of first, yet there are many others, such as harming obsessions, and hoarding, which are often not recognized as OCD, or mistaken as other disorders.
Characterized by tormenting obsessions associated with physical appearance, Body Dysmorphic Disorder is considered to be quite similar to OCD, and as such is recognized as one of the obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders. Several million people in this country are believed to have BDD, though most sufferers first pursue medical treatment to correct the perceived flaw in their apprearance, rather than seeking more appropriate psychiatric care. Any body part can be the focus of BDD, though most with the disorder will focus on fears associated with facial features, such as hair, nose, or skin tone. Complicating the clinical picture is the fact that approximately half of those with BDD may become delusional at times, and as many as 25%-30% may make suicide attempts. Some people with either disorder have learned to cope quite well with their chronic psychiatric problem, though it is not uncommon to encounter those who have become disabled, and cannot work or effectively carry on relationshipts because of the troubling obsessions, and time consuming compulsive behaviors. Many of these people could be helped with proper treatment as such does exist in the form of cognitive-behavioral therapy and medications. Tragically, many sufferers go without appropriate professional help, as too few clinicians are familiar with the process of assessing for them, and fewer still possess the skills necessary for treatment.
The primary purpose of this workshop is to familiarize attendees with the two diagnoses, to review cognitive and behavioral manifestations of each, and to thoroughly explore forms of treatment. Specifically, medication, cognitive therapy, as well as behavior therapy in the form of exposure and response prevention will be highlighted, as will the usefulness of group therapy. Considerations for differential diagnosis, comorbid disorders, and resources for support will also be addressed. Clinicians with direct clients contact, such as social workers, marriage and family therapists, nurses, and psychologists, as well as school personnel are all encouraged to attend.
Workshop Objectives
- Discuss concept of OC spectrum and related disorders
- Review DSM-IV diagnosis for each, considerations for differential diagnosis, and comorbid disorders.
- Review of clinical manifestations of both OCD and BDD (emphasis on cognitive process and maladaptive behaviors
- Discussion of cognitive-behavioral therapy and medications (emphasis on exposure and response prevention behavioral approach)
- Discussion of local and national support organizations
