Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): symptoms, current treatments, and future approaches

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Title: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): symptoms, current treatments, and future approaches
Author(s): Kyrios, Michael
Abstract: This talk will give an overview of the symptoms and traditional treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) before going on to cover new approaches to treating OCD. In order to improve outcomes for OCD, it is imperative that we move towards evidence-based models of care that account for individual factors, people’s contexts, and personal preferences. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder affects 2-3 % of Australians. Despite increasing awareness of this debilitating disorder, it is misunderstood and often either misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all. Furthermore, despite the existence of effective treatments such as cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT), access to specialist treatment remains a challenge for many Australians. Furthermore, treatment outcomes vary, and both dropout and relapse rates remain generally high. In response, researchers have turned to: (i) identifying and targeting factors predictive of poorer outcomes; (ii) augmenting traditional treatments with new management strategies; and (iii) developing novel treatment strategies. In our own studies, we have identified psychological factors that are characteristic of poorer outcomes, and have developed strategies to target such factors directly. New treatment approaches such as Mindfulness or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy provide additional treatment strategies that are helpful in many cases. Furthermore, new findings from animal research are identifying medications that can improve learning processes that are important in behaviour therapy for OCD. These medications show some promise in improving short-term outcomes for OCD. Finally, taking advantage of advances in internet-based treatments, we have developed an internet-based treatment that can be accessed by all Australians, including those in rural and remote areas.
Publication type: Seminar, speech or other presentation
Research centre: Swinburne University of Technology. Faculty of Life and Social Sciences. Brain Sciences Institute
Research centre: Swinburne University of Technology. Faculty of Life and Social Sciences. SwinPsyCHE
Source: Public lecture for the Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 12 May 2010
Publication year: 2010
Keyword(s): CBTI; Cognitive-behaviour therapy; Improved outcomes; Internet-based treatments; Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; OCD
Publisher: Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria
Publisher URL: http://www.adavic.org.au/product-view.aspx?Id=65