Calling all Psychiatry residents and med students with an interest in mental health! We are starting off this podcast with our first episode focusing on all things OCD to demystify this seemingly complicated and confusing disorder!

Specifically, we cover:

-DSM5 criteria for the diagnosis of OCD

-Which rating scales are used to help the diagnostic process

-What sort of medications and medical conditions to rule out when considering this diagnosis

-Treatment for OCD (therapy and drugs!)

-Treatment refractory OCD

Some post recording notes

-I mention that CBT (ERP) is much more effective than SSRI therapy in the podcast. In reality, there have been some head to head trials noting CBT to be more effective, but overall the evidence points them to be similarly efficacious. The difference however, is that CBT's effects can last 1-5 years after stopping therapy, whereas you can expect a quicker relapse of symptoms if coming off medication.

-I did not cover 3rd line agents or adjunctive agents in the podcast. In hindsight, I would've have liked to quickly mention that 1st line adjunctive medication treatment options include 2 atypical antipsychotics: Abilify and Risperidone!

-There are various other therapy modalities besides CBT (ERP) that show promise. Some examples include DIRT (danger ideation reduction therapy), mindfulness, ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy), modular cognitive therapy and organizational therapy.

-Yes I breathe heavy! Expect the listening experience to improve as I learn to optimize my microphone settings.

Lastly, thanks for checking out this podcast. As always, consult with your family doctor before starting any treatments for any physical or mental health related problem, this is meant to be an educational podcast only.