20. OCD Conference Recap: Psychedelics, Genes, PTSD/Trauma, Brain Scans, & BIPOC Representation
On episode 20 of A Chat with Uma, I recap my experience at the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF)'s 28th Annual OCD Conference & the 8th Annual IOCDF Research Symposium. I provide my key research takeaways from the perspective of an OCD neuroscientist & researcher with lived experience of OCD - about many important topics including psychedelics, ketamine, OCD genes, advanced epigenetic aging, comorbid OCD & PTSD + trauma, brain scans, and more. I share these research updates in accessible & digestible ways to continue bridging the gap between researchers & lived experience communities. I also share my many experiences and reflections from my presentations and advocacy at the conference. I speak about my experience as a BIPOC patient and the influence of my identity on the ways I showed up at the conference. I also speak at length about the intersection of my identities as a researcher, trainee, and OCD survivor + advocate and the myriad of ways that my identities came together at this conference. This episode provides a comprehensive space for reflection, integration, and research updates for not only conference attendees, but those who were unable to attend in person. Topics Discussed (+ timestamps): (00:00:00) Hello, check-in, moving update (00:06:35) Introduction to episode Contextual episodes: 01. My Full Story: 0 to 26 02-04. My Mental Health Journey: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 05. Yes, I've Done Psychedelics: From Psychonaut to Researcher 06-07. The Ketamine Diaries - OCD, PTSD, Depression, & Chronic Pain: Part. 1, Part 2 (00:09:08) Overview of OCD Con, IOCDF Research Symposium, & the unique nature + structure of this particular conference (00:20:46) Research Update: OCD Genes & Advanced Epigenetic Aging - Dr. Evelyn Stewart (00:28:24) Research Update: Ketamine Trials for OCD - Dr. Carolyn Rodriguez (00:38:41) Recap: Research Symposium poster presentation; Full-circle reflection of my growth as a researcher with lived experience; Beginning at OCD Con last year (00:46:34) Recap: BIPOC Community Support Group with me & Erjing Cui, LMHC Reflections on South Asian representation in the community + at the conference Further calls to action (00:54:44) Recap: In My Shoes - Highlighting The Realities of the BIPOC & Cultural Road To Recovery with me, Dr. Darlene Davis Goodwine, Alexandra Reynolds, Rachel Ehrenberg, & Valerie Andrews (00:58:32) Recap: Psychedelics & OCD - Discussing the Current State of Psychedelic Research as Potential OCD Treatments with me, Dr. Carolyn Rodriguez, Dr. Chris Pittenger, Dr. Jamila Hokanson, & Dr. Terence Ching Why this panel was one of the most profound experiences of my life Fully coming into presenting as a researcher with lived experience (01:18:14) Recap + Update: OCD & Medication - Brain Scan Discussion with Dr. Carolyn Rodriguez, Dr. Chris Pittenger, & more Brain scans do not diagnose OCD Context & limitations of brain imaging Brain imaging for research vs. diagnosis REFERENCED EPISODE - 09. Brain Research 101: From Human to Molecule (01:23:27) Research Update: Comorbid OCD & PTSD + Trauma with Dr. Lauren Wadsworth, Dr. Caitlin Pinciotti, & more (01:28:18) Final reflections, hopes, and future directions Connect with me! My website: umarchatterjee.com Instagram: @UmaRChatterjee Twitter: @UmaRChatterjee TikTok: @UmaRChatterjee Email: hello@umarchatterjee.com Have a guest you want on the show? Fill out the Guest Suggestion Form!