Rogers Memorial Hospital Hosts Interactive Video Chat On OCD Treatment

As part of the 2013 OCD Awareness Week (Oct. 14-20), Rogers Memorial Hospital is hosting a Google+ Hangout with two leading experts Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 6 to 7 p.m. CST. The interactive event features Jonathan S. Abramowitz, Ph.D., and Bradley C. Riemann, Ph.D. - two leaders in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) - sharing their knowledge about this complex illness and the message that early diagnosis and treatment are keys to successful recovery.

During the interactive video chat, "Understanding OCD: The Latest Theories. Keys to Treatment," Dr. Abramowitz, professor and associate chair of psychology at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill, will cover the latest theories about the possible causes of OCD and the models for understanding its complex symptoms. In addition, Dr. Riemann, clinical director of Rogers' OCD Center and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Services, will present an overview of OCD treatment, with CBT and exposure and response prevention (ERP) as key elements to proven success. Megan Welsh, executive director of OCD-Wisconsin, will moderate the interactive chat.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for participants to learn about effective therapies and ask us questions about OCD and its treatment," Dr. Riemann said. "If left untreated, OCD can interfere with everyday living. With effective therapy, however, it's possible to live a productive, satisfying life."

Participants can join the Google+ Hangout by going to rogersocd.org, where they can watch the live video stream, chat with the two experts, and tweet during the event using #rogersocd to spread awareness.

OCD Awareness Week is an annual public education campaign coordinated by the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) as a vehicle for support, advocacy and education to help end the stigma surrounding OCD and encourage people with OCD to find treatment. To share your story or to see what people are talking about during OCD Awareness Week use the #ocdweek hashtag.

Rogers Memorial Hospital is a key corporation of Rogers Behavioral Health System, which also includes: Rogers Memorial Hospital Foundation, Inc.; Rogers Partners in Behavioral Health, LLC; Rogers Center for Research and Training; and Rogers InHealth. The hospital has become nationally recognized for its specialized residential treatment services and affiliations with academic institutions and teaching hospitals in the area. Rogers Memorial Hospital is currently Wisconsin's largest not-for-profit, private behavioral health hospital, providing adults, children and adolescents with eating disorders treatment, addiction treatment, obsessive-compulsive and anxiety disorders treatment, as well as caring for a variety of child and adolescent mental health concerns.