Focus Forward: An Executive Function Podcast

Ep 47: Redefining OCD: Debunking the Misconceptions about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ft. Dr. Anthony Bram

Jul 3, 2024

Dr. Anthony Bram, a clinical psychologist specializing in OCD, discusses debunking misconceptions about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. He explains the roots of OCD, the shame associated with obsessions, and the significance of flexible therapeutic approaches. The podcast also explores the impact of OCD on executive functioning, productivity, and decision-making, offering strategies for managing perfectionism and seeking professional help.

49:54

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Episode guests

Anthony Bram

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

OCD impacts executive functioning, causing distractions and perfectionism.

Specialized therapies like ERP are crucial for addressing OCD symptoms.

Collaborative support and tailored interventions are vital for effective OCD management.

Deep dives

Educating Teachers and Parents on Improving Executive Functioning Skills

BrainTrax, the school division of Beyond Booksmart, trains teachers to teach executive function skills in classrooms, democratizing access to this education. By adapting coaching strategies for classroom use, more students benefit, empowering educators and parents, leading to improved executive functioning in students and enhanced academic performance.

Intro

3min

Understanding OCD: Obsessions and Compulsions

8min

Exploring Misconceptions and Treatment of OCD

3min

Understanding OCD and its Significance in Academic Settings

10min

Impact of OCD on Executive Functioning and Productivity

17min

Strategies for Decision Making and ADHD Diagnosis Considerations

1min

Interventions for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

7min

Today’s episode is all about obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD. I met up with Dr. Anthony Bram, a clinical psychologist in Lexington, Massachusetts to learn more about this fascinating brain-based condition. Dr. Bram works with adults and kids, providing support for a wide range of mental health challenges, including OCD, anxiety, depression, and learning differences. He explained to me that he became interested in helping people with OCD during his predoctoral internship. He realized that the traditional kinds of psychotherapy that he had been learning were not so effective in alleviating the distressing symptoms of his patients with OCD. This led him to discover a specialized form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) called exposure with response prevention (ERP). Dr. Bram continued to learn more during his postdoctoral work at the Menninger Clinic, which was in Topeka, KS at the time. There, while primarily pursuing advanced training in traditional modalities of treatment and assessment, he also sought the supervision of a cognitive behavioral therapist who specialized in OCD so he could begin learning and applying ERP and other CBT techniques. This experience taught him the importance of being flexible and expanding his therapeutic skills to better meet the diverse needs of his clients. I’m so happy to bring Dr. Bram on so we can all learn about OCD, its connection to executive functioning, and how to support people in our lives who may be struggling with it and its related challenges. Enjoy!

Show notes:

Learn more about Dr. Bram

http://www.dranthonybram.com/

Learn more about OCD

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd

https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/

OCD activity in the prefrontal cortex (image)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x6W41yZhcbsnf4ZJ9qCY1R8J4-_jv0sl/view?usp=sharing

Find a Provider

https://iocdf.org/find-help/?_provider_proximity=42.3600825%2C-71.0588801%2C50%2CBoston%252C%2520MA%252C%2520USA

Learn more about Beyond BookSmart: https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/

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