Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Conference 2008: Taking Action To Tackle Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Main Category: Psychology / Psychiatry
Also Included In: Mental Health;  Autism
Article Date: 10 Nov 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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On Saturday 22nd November, mental health professionals and members of the public who are affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) will all come together for the 2008 OCD Conference at Imperial College London.

This annual conference has been designed to inspire, invigorate and educate participants and provide an opportunity to share personal experiences of a condition which affects an estimated 1.8 million people in the UK alone. Public awareness of the challenges faced by OCD sufferers has increased in recent years after several well-known public figures, including David Beckham and Justin Timberlake, spoke frankly and openly about the effect OCD has had on their lives.

OCD Conference 2008 is organised by OCD Action, the leading UK national charity for people affected by OCD spectrum disorders.

Keynote speakers at the conference will include Professor Paul Salkovskis (Channel 4's 'The House of Obsessive Compulsives') and Dr. Isobel Heyman (Maudsley Hospital, London), both specialists on the treatment of OCD and health anxiety. The day will also include workshops, presentations and short films designed to help adults, families and children identify, treat and seek advice about OCD spectrum disorders including Tourette's syndrome, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)/'Imagined Ugliness' and skin picking.

Though OCD is listed as one of the top 10 disabling conditions (including physical ailments) in the world by the World Health Organisation, people who suffer from OCD are usually reluctant to request help from others. They worry that people might think them mad and are often unaware that their disorder is a recognised condition with effective treatments. Events such as OCD Conference 2008 are a vital step forwards in developing public awareness not only of this debilitating disorder, but also of the many different treatments and support networks available to OCD sufferers and those around them.

OCD Action Chairman Peter Jennings said: "This day of action will have internationally-respected experts deconstruct this complex disorder to show people that these intrusive thoughts and compulsive rituals are purely symptoms of OCD; symptoms which can be managed through therapy, medication and the determination to say 'No' to OCD.

"You don't have to suffer from OCD to be affected by it, but you need to know about the disorder to fight it. I hope that as many people as possible will join us for OCD Conference 2008 to learn more about OCD spectrum disorders, find out which forms of therapy and medication are most effective, and learn how to manage OCD whilst working, studying and socialising."

OCD Conference 2008
Date: Saturday 22nd November, 2008
Time: 09.30 - 17.00
Venue: Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ
Fees: £75 (health professionals), £30 (public), £20 (members of OCD Action and supporting charities)
To register: visit http://www.ocdconference.org.uk or telephone 0870 360 6232.

Background information

What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

OCD is a disorder in which people experience repetitive and upsetting thoughts (obsessions) and use rituals (compulsions) to control the anxiety these thoughts produce. People are diagnosed with OCD when obsessions and compulsions significantly interfere with their lives. The World Health Organisation (WHO) lists OCD as one of the top 10 disabling conditions (including physical ailments) in the world

Who suffers from OCD?

Prevalence estimates suggest that between 1-2 % of the UK population has OCD. One reason why the prevalence of OCD has been underestimated in the past is that people with OCD are often afraid to seek help. Young people also suffer from OCD; in fact, many adults with OCD had symptoms in childhood.

Can OCD be treated?

Yes. For the majority, OCD can be effectively controlled and treated. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps people to identify, analyse and challenge irrational thoughts. It can incorporate Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) which allows people to face their feared situation and 'wall-out' the anxiety until it no longer scares and controls them. Anti-obsessional medication can be helpful in treating people with OCD and around 60% of patients improve with medication.

About OCD Action

OCD Action was formed over seventeen years ago by people affected by OCD who decided that something more needed to be done in order to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of OCD spectrum disorders. http://www.ocdaction.org.uk

OCD Action Help and Information line

The OCD Action Help and Information line is a free, confidential and unbiased service offering help, information and support for OCD sufferers, carers and anyone who is concerned that they, or their friends or relatives, may have OCD or a related disorder (e.g. BDD, skin picking, trichotillomania/'hair-pulling').

The helpline number is 0845 390 6232. This service is open on weekdays from 10.00 - 17.00 (subject to volunteer availability).

Dr. Isobel Heyman

Dr. Isobel Heyman is a consultant child psychiatrist in the Child and Adolescent Department at the Maudsley Hospital in London. Currently, the Young People's OCD clinic at the Maudsley is the only national specialist clinic for young people with OCD. Dr. Heyman is also an Honorary Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Psychiatry at Kings College London.

Dr Heyman also works at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children where she runs a clinic for young people with Tourette Syndrome, many of whom also have OCD. Dr Heyman founded and continues to run a national specialist clinic for young people with OCD when it became clear that the condition was under-recognised and frequently undiagnosed in children. Currently involved in teaching and research, together with her team she has assessed and treated several hundred children and adolescents with OCD.

Professor Paul Salkovskis

Professor Paul Salkovskis has been working on obsessional disorder related conditions since the late 1970's. Since October 2000, he has held the post of Professor of Clinical Psychology and Applied Science at the Institute of Psychiatry and is Clinical Director of the Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma at the Maudsley Hospital.

Professor Salkovskis is currently the editor of 'Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapy' (the journal of the British Association for Behavior and Cognitive Psychotherapies), and President of the International Association of Cognitive Psychotherapy. He was formerly a Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellow in Basic Biomedical Science at Oxford University, and an Honorary Consultant Clinical Psychologist for Oxford District Mental Health Trust.

OCD Action