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Networking
New Canadian Institute on OCD
Friday, November 11th The Canadian Institute for Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (CIOCD): Mandates and Developments Presenter: Debbie Sookman, McGill University, and President, CIOCD Discussants: Gail Steketee, Boston University, and Richard Swinson, McMaster University Special Guest and Discussant: David Goldbloom, University of Toronto, and Vice-Chair, Mental Health Commission of Canada Discussion Participants: Paul Arnold, The Hospital for Sick Children; Peggy Richter, Sunnybrook Hospital and University of Toronto; Jon Abramowitz, University of North Carolina; Dave Clark, University of New Brunswick; Keiron O’Connor, University of Montreal; Maureen Whittal, University of British Columbia; and Alec Pollard, Saint Louis University Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is the fourth most common mental disorder and among the ten leading causes of medical disability world-wide. Effective specialized and timely treatment is required to avoid unnecessary suffering and progression to disability. Experts agree that the need for dissemination of expertise and increased resources in this field is urgent. The Canadian Institute for Obsessive Compulsive Disorders has recently been established to achieve these essential mandates across Canada: (a) advance best practice specialized treatment for OCD and Spectrum Disorders; (b) develop and operate the Canadian Specialty OCD Training and Accreditation Program through the life span for clinicians and treatment centers; (c) initiate and oversee the CIOCD Affiliate Outreach Educational Program, with representation from every Canadian province, to disseminate empirically based information to OCD sufferers; and (d) advance scientific research designed to improve clinical practice. The presentation will describe current CIOCD programs and implications followed by commentary and discussion.
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