The Psychopharmacology Algorithm Project at the Harvard South Shore Program was founded in 1993 and it consists of evidence-based recommendations considering efficacy, tolerability and safety. A previous algorithm for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) was published in 2012.  In this presentation, the speakers explain the role of algorithms and present the reasoning justifying the sequence of recommended treatments and the specific medications preferred.

**This content was captured at the 2019 APA Annual Meeting and may reference information from various sources and terminology from previous editions of the DSM.

**Slide handout not available for this presentation.

Course References

• Stein DJ, et al. A 2012 evidence-based algorithm for the pharmacotherapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Curr Psychiatry Rep, 2012. 14(3):p. 211-9

• Ninan PT, et al. High-dose sertraline strategy for non-responders to acute treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder: a multicenter double-blind trial. J clinical psychiatry, 2006. 67(1):p.15-22.

Learning Objectives

• Diagnose obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) by the DSM-5 criteria and be familiar with the evidence-based literature supporting commonly-used first-line medications for OCD
• Distinguish psychopharmacological options for treatment-resistant OCD and consider alternative approaches for patients who have comorbidities that would change the standard algorithm
• Interpret the OCD algorithm developed by the Psychopharmacology Algorithm Project at the Harvard South Shore Program 

Target Audience

Psychiatrists, Residents/Fellows

Estimated Time to Complete

Estimated Duration: 30 minutes
Begin Date: October 1, 2020
End Date: October 1, 2023

How to Earn Credit

Participants who wish to earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™ or a certificate of participation may do so by completing all sections of the course including the evaluation. After evaluating the program, course participants will be provided with an opportunity to claim hours of participation and print an official CME certificate (physicians) or certificate of participation (non-physicians) showing the completion date and hours earned. 

Continuing Education Credit

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. 

The APA designates this enduring CME activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Faculty and Planner Disclosures

Program Presenters

• Ashley Beaulieu, D.O., Psychiatrist in Charge, Dissociative Disorders and Trauma Inpatient Program, McLean Hospital. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
• Edward Tabasky, M.D., Medical Director, East New York Health Hub. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.

Program Planners

• Tristan Gorrindo, M.D., Director of Education, American Psychiatric Association. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.

Accessibility for Participants with Disabilities

The American Psychiatric Association is committed to ensuring accessibility of its website to people with disabilities. If you have trouble accessing any of APA’s online resources, please contact us at 202-559-3900 for assistance.

Technical Requirements

This internet-based CME activity is best experienced using any of the following:

• The latest and 2nd latest public versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari
• Internet Explorer 11+

This Web site requires that JavaScript and session cookies be enabled. Certain activities may require additional software to view multimedia, presentation, or printable versions of the content. These activities will be marked as such and will provide links to the required software. That software may be: Adobe Flash, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Windows Media Player.

Optimal System Configuration:

• Browser: Google Chrome (latest and 2nd latest version), Safari (latest and 2nd latest version), Internet Explorer 11.0+, Firefox (latest and 2nd latest version), or Microsoft Edge (latest and 2nd latest version)
• Operating System: Windows versions 8.1+, Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) +, Android (latest and 2nd latest version), or iOS/iPad OS (latest and 2nd latest version)
• Internet Connection: 1 Mbps or higher

Minimum Requirements:

• Windows PC: Windows 8.1 or higher; 1 GB (for 32-bit)/2 GB (for 64-bit) or higher RAM; Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver; audio playback with speakers for programs with video content
• Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.5 or higher with latest updates installed; Intel, PowerPC G5, or PowerPC G4 (867MHz or faster) processor; 512 MB or higher RAM; audio playback with speakers for programs with video content

For assistance: Contact educme@psych.org for questions about this activity | Contact learningcenter@psych.org for technical assistance