In the 147th masterclass, Dr. Arshiya Noorulla and PCF Director Mr. Raj Alampur deconstruct Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), separating it from the myth of harmless perfectionism. The session covers OCD's historical evolution, neurobiology, and clinical subtypes. It also outlines essential assessment tools (like Y-BOCS and SUDs) and details the gold-standard Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy protocol for overcoming therapeutic setbacks.
🔑 Key Highlights & Themes Covered (Timestamps)
🧠 Part 1: Defining OCD, History, & Symptom Patterns
[07:32] — What is OCD?: Defining Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder beyond perfectionism as a serious condition where unwanted intrusive thoughts (obsessions) generate intense distress, leading to repetitive behaviors (compulsions) to temporarily relieve anxiety.
[11:42] — History of OCD: Tracing its evolution from 17th-century views of religious scrupulosity and 19th-century "disorders of will" to Sigmund Freud’s psychodynamic formulations and modern neurobiological insights.
[16:31] — Subtypes & Presentations: Exploring clinical patterns: Contamination/washing, symmetry/order, rumination/intrusive thoughts, religious scrupulosity, and the psychological paradox of hoarding.
[23:11] — Perfectionism vs. OCD: Distinguishing healthy perfectionism (single execution with satisfaction) from clinical OCD (repetitive execution, lack of satisfaction, and extreme time consumption).
🛠️ Part 2: Assessment & ERP Therapy Protocol
[27:00] — Safety Behaviors & Coping Mechanisms: Examining how clients rely on reassurance-seeking, task-redoing, avoidance, distraction, or substance use to cope with distress.
[31:05] — Assessment Tools: Utilizing the Y-BOCS (Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale) and SUDs Scale (0–100 Subjective Units of Distress) to quantify anxiety triggers.
[32:05] — Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): Outlining the gold-standard behavioral protocol: establishing a hierarchy of triggers, engaging in imaginary/in-person exposures, eliminating safety behaviors, and pacing therapy to prevent burnout.
⚠️ Part 3: Pitfalls, Setbacks, & Q&A Session
[41:09] — Therapeutic Setbacks: Navigating common pitfalls—patient withdrawal due to high anxiety, reliance on safety behaviors, and symptom shifting (e.g., contamination OCD transitioning into religious scrupulosity).
[44:35] — Interactive Q&A Session: Addressing audience queries on medication management alongside therapy, handling high baseline anxiety before ERP, and diagnosing OCD in children.
🎯 Who Is This For?
Psychology Students & Practitioners: Professionals looking for a structured breakdown of OCD symptom presentation, Y-BOCS scoring, and step-by-step ERP session execution.
Individuals & Caregivers: Anyone seeking to understand the psychological mechanisms behind obsessive loops and how clinical interventions manage anxiety and restore normal functioning.
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Watch the full masterclass video here: Watch on Youtube
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