Dr. Peggy Richter, head of the Thompson Centre, speaking at an event in 2012.
By Beth Hopwood, a member of the Thompson Centre Patient & Family Centred Care Committee
On March 18, the Fredrick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre proudly held its annual conference, entitled “The Future is Now: Evolving Best Practices for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders & Anxiety.” The conference, in its fourth year, is the only educational event of its kind in Canada focusing on obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. Health care workers from a variety of backgrounds came to learn more about advances in treatment and new technologies.
The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Dr. Peggy Richter, head of the Thompson Centre.
Speaking first, on the impact of severe OCD on family, was Laura Armstrong, a member of the Thompson Centre’s Patient & Family Centred Care Committee. Armstrong delivered a deeply felt reminder of the pain the condition causes for patients and loved ones. She highlighted the need for specialty care, like that provided by the Thompson Centre, and the difference it can make in the lives of those affected by OCD.
Next to speak was Dr. Richard Swinson, professor emeritus and former chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University, reflecting on the evolution of treatment for anxiety and his forecast for future care. Dr. Swinson was also the recipient of the inaugural Thompson Award in honour of his work as a Canadian leader in anxiety disorders.
Throughout the day attendees participated in workshops of their choice, ranging in topics from psychopharmacology, CBT, mindfulness, peer support, neuromodulation and e-therapies, and sessions on adults, youth and families.
Dr. Z. Jeff Daskalakis, Temerty Chair in Therapeutic Brain Intervention, closed off the event with a talk on emerging biomarkers and mechanisms of response to brain stimulation and the future direction of mental health treatment.
Fully accredited by the University of Toronto, participants received certificates for attendance; having learned advanced treatment principles for OCD, anxiety and related disorders (trichotillomania, excoriation disorder, hoarding, and body dysmorphic disorder).
