Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

The decision to seek residential treatment for OCD may be one of the most difficult decisions to make as a family. Here are the top 3 general questions we tend to get when families are considering a program like ours.
Inconsistent results across studies present a challenge not only for conceptual understanding of clinical symptoms but also for advancing treatment
The ability to be ourselves with clients makes it so much easier to connect, to be real about how challenging treatment is, and enlist their help to ensure that whatever the exposure is, its something they can tolerate, trust in, and most importantly, begin to experience relief from their intrusive thoughts and the compulsions that may dominate their lives. 

fMRI Response Inhibition Training Project

Eligibility Criteria

•    age between 18 and 60 
•    moderate level of OCRD symptoms 
•    a primary diagnosis of OCRD   
•    Estimated IQ > 80 
•    presence of a significant Response Inhibition deficits  
•    Access to a computer/laptop with high-speed internet and Google Chrome or a compatible web browser  
•    English as a primary language   
 

Exclusion Criteria

•    Current substance use disorder  
•    Severe ADHD 
•    Current psychotherapy or plans to engage in psychotherapy over the course of study participation 
•    Change in psychotropic medication status within 8 weeks before the study or during the study participation 
•    Use of stimulant medication, including the following: 

  • Ferrous metal or implants in body 
  • Braces or permanent retainer 
  • Pregnant 
  • History of neurological disorder or injury (e.g., seizures, migraines, tumor, chemotherapy, multiple sclerosis, movement disorder)  
  • Claustrophobia 
  • Unable to lie still for up to 2 hours 
  • Eye problems or difficulties with corrected vision (necessary for viewing tasks in scanner)

Our study is only for the US audience as there are some in person components in Milwaukee Wisconsin

State
Wisconsin

The UWM Anxiety Disorder Lab and the UWM Affective Neuroscience Lab are currently testing computer-based treatment programs designed to help adults (aged 18-60) suffering from problematic repetitive behaviors. This research is conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is funded by the National Institutes of Mental Health.  Study procedures will be completed through at home computer-based training programs/assessments as well as assessments and brain imaging tasks at the Medical College of Wisconsin over the course of 8-15 weeks.  

Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) for Phobias - Professional Mental Health Webinar
February 9, 2023
Elizabeth McMahon, PhD and
This webinar covers uses of virtual reality (VR) in treating phobias, presents key research findings supporting VR exposure therapy (VRET), and touches on Diversity/Equity/Inclusion (DEI) issues. The presentation includes seven secrets of effective VRET, eight ways to monitor client response, and two case studies. The webinar also discusses VRET’s benefits, potential risks, common therapist concerns, and two approaches to creating a VR exposure hierarchy.
 Ethical Considerations in the Treatment of OCD - Professional Mental Health Webinar
January 18, 2023
Jennifer Gola, PsyD and
Hosted January 18 | This webinar addresses myths associated with exposure therapy, outlines ethical considerations therapists and patients should be aware of when conducting or engaging in this treatment and offers suggestions for the ethical use of this treatment.
Friends are the people we keep in our lives by choice and not because of familial bonds, work contracts, or other circumstances. However, for those with the disorder, finding and nurturing friendships while in the thick of symptoms can be just as difficult. 

 In true form, for OCD lovers like myself, I posed more questions than answers in the title.  That was intentional, to be funny, eye-catching, and thought-provoking.  Hopefully, I pulled off at least two of th