While the majority of female/assigned female at birth individuals do not experience significant menstrual cycle effects on their mood, approximately 5% experience intense and debilitating changes (i.e., premenstrual dysphoric disorder, PMDD) and at least 50% of those with mood disorders and other forms of psychopathology experience cycle-based worsening of their symptoms (i.e., premenstrual exacerbation, PME). Clinicians need to understand how to assess and treat menstrual cycle-related effects on mood and psychopathology. Dr. Peters will provide an overview of how changes in ovarian hormones can affect mood and behavior, information on assessment including the rationale for prospective daily symptoms tracking, and pragmatic strategies to adapt CBT and DBT skills to reduce the impairment and distress from PMDD/PME.

CBT is underpinned by specific cultural values, and for it to be effective for clients from diverse backgrounds, it should be culturally adapted. Indeed, individual therapists have developed guidelines for adaptation of therapy. Dr. Farooq Naeem's research group has adapted CBT for clients from various backgrounds, including African-Caribbeans, South Asians, Middle Eastern and the Chinese, using a mixed-methods approach. Research findings reveal positive outcomes across 25 RCTs that test the Southampton adaptation framework for cultural adaptation of CBT. This presentation will include education on the historical perspectives on cultural differences that underpin the model and describe the model of adaptation. Implementation of this model into clinical practice will also be discussed. Special attention will be given to adaptations for Middle Eastern populations, including specific clinical recommendations and considerations when delivering CBT to these populations.