This course will prepare clinicians to recognize symptoms and perform an assessment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), as well as clearly describe the first-line treatment options for OCD in adults. We’ll begin with identifying the essential diagnostic criteria for OCD and discussing comorbidities associated with OCD that are often seen during the clinical interview. Next, we describe evidence-based assessment tools used for the evaluation of symptoms and severity of OCD. The course concludes with an introduction to contemporary first-line treatment recommendations for adults with OCD. Case examples and practical strategies for assessment and clinical interviewing are included throughout.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the essential diagnostic criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and describe its relationship to common comorbidities. 

2. Prepare an OCD-specific assessment strategy using evidence-based assessment tools.

3. Describe the contemporary first-line treatment recommendations for adults with OCD.