OCD

If you have obsessive thought patterns or struggle with distressing repetitive behaviors, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may be to blame. About one in 40 adults develops OCD during their lifetime. At A Brand New Day, LLC, in Fairfield, Connecticut, adult psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner Jennifer Landolt, PMHNP-BC, diagnoses and manages OCD to ease unpleasant symptoms. Schedule an appointment by calling the office or booking online today.

What is OCD?

OCD is a mental health condition that causes obsessions (unwanted thoughts or fears) and compulsions, which are repetitive behaviors. 

While not always a cause for concern, OCD could interfere with your quality of life, feel distressing, and affect your job, school, or relationships. Jennifer offers treatments that can help you overcome unwelcome OCD symptoms.

Which symptoms can OCD cause?

OCD may cause the following symptoms:

• Unwelcome, distressing, horrific, or intrusive thoughts or images
• Fear of germs or dirt
• Difficulty dealing with uncertainty
• Strong urge for orderliness and cleanliness
• Not touching doorknobs or shaking hands
• Doubts that you’ve locked doors or turned off the stove
• Arranging canned goods the same way
• Feeling distressed when things aren’t orderly
• Repetitive behaviors
• Frequent hand washing
• Constantly checking for locked doors
• Counting in specific patterns

OCD often begins during the teenage years or young adulthood. It can also begin in childhood. Symptoms may become worse during periods of stress or big life transitions. They range from mild to severe and even disabling in some cases.

What are the risk factors for OCD?

Examples of OCD risk factors include:

• Brain changes
• Genetics
• Learned behaviors
• Family history of OCD
• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Tic disorders
• Substance use disorder (SUD)
• Infections
• Significant stress
• Childhood trauma 

However, the cause of OCD isn’t fully understood.

How is OCD diagnosed?

Jennifer meets with you to learn more about your mental health. She uses DSM-5 criteria when discussing your emotions, moods, thoughts, and behaviors. She also asks about your lifestyle, current medications, and goals and customizes a treatment plan.

How is OCD treated?

Your personalized OCD treatment may consist of:

• Medication management
• Therapy
• Stress management
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
• Exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
• Healthy lifestyle modifications 

Yoga, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques can relieve stress. It’s also helpful to stay active, eat a balanced diet, get plenty of sleep, avoid smoking, and limit or avoid alcohol.

Jennifer offers routine therapy sessions to help you overcome thoughts and behaviors that interfere with your quality of life. She’s always available if you have questions or need additional support.

Schedule an OCD evaluation at A Brand New Day, LLC, by calling the office or booking online today.