OCD and SUD Treatment Review-Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In a session on psychiatric and substance use disorder (SUD) comorbidities, the focus was on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which affects about 2-3% of the population. The discussion covered the nature of OCD, marked by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) aimed at reducing distress.<br /><br />The primary therapy for OCD is exposure and response prevention (EXRP), encouraging patients to face their fears without performing compulsions, thus breaking the cycle of anxiety and reassurance-seeking behaviors. The treatment emphasizes gradual exposure to fears and learning to tolerate anxiety without needing to neutralize it, eventually leading to significant relief in about 58% of cases.<br /><br />Effective management of OCD often involves both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are first-line medications, helping to manage symptoms by increasing serotonin levels between brain cells, which diminishes the frequency and impact of intrusive thoughts.<br /><br />The session also highlighted the importance of correct therapeutic approaches and warned against reinforcing compulsive behaviors through inappropriate reassurance. It addressed side effects of SSRIs including nausea and potential suicidal ideation in younger individuals, advising gradual dose changes to mitigate withdrawal symptoms. The talk also noted the challenges of managing comorbid conditions like OCD and substance use disorders, highlighting the need for specialized therapies and careful medication management.

Keywords

psychiatric comorbidities

substance use disorder

obsessive-compulsive disorder

intrusive thoughts

repetitive behaviors

exposure and response prevention

pharmacotherapy

psychotherapy

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

serotonin levels

therapeutic approaches

medication management

comorbid conditions