OCD - Beyond "Just Anxious": Recognizing, Differentiating, and Treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

About the event

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is frequently misunderstood, underrecognized, or misdiagnosed as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and other mental health conditions. Individuals experiencing OCD may present with symptoms that appear to be generalized worry, perfectionism, excessive responsibility, intrusive thoughts, or reassurance-seeking behaviors, making accurate identification challenging in clinical practice. This training provides mental health professionals with a practical and clinically grounded overview of OCD, including its diagnostic features, common and less recognized presentations, and the cognitive and behavioral processes that maintain symptoms. Participants will explore the distinction between obsessions and compulsions, including overt compulsions and less visible mental rituals. Particular attention will be given to differentiating OCD from GAD, identifying reassurance-seeking and avoidance behaviors, and understanding how these symptoms may be overlooked during clinical assessment. The training will also introduce evidence-based treatment approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP). Participants will explore foundational …