Distinguishing Suicidal Ideation from Intrusive Self-Harm OCD

Individuals suffering with intrusive self-harm OCD frequently misattribute their thoughts for genuine suicidal ideation. Well-intentioned therapists, who do not know how to differentiate genuine suicidal ideation from intrusive and unwanted obsessions, often encourage their clients to get suicide risk evaluations from local ERs. However, this behavior can steer the individual with self-harm OCD further into their disorder, increasing distress and severity of symptoms. In this workshop, attendees learn how to assess for and differentiate intrusive, unwanted self-harm obsessions that occur in OCD from genuine suicidal ideation and planning. This differentiation is key to providing adequate treatment.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn contemporary perspectives of OCD, specifically self-harm OCD.
2. Discuss evidence-based OCD assessment techniques, questions, and self-report measures.
3. Enhance ability to communicate with and direct thosee suffering with self-harm OCD to evidence-based treatment.