Symptoms of OCD: When to Seek Help

Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros understands how overwhelming and disruptive obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can be. OCD is marked by recurring, intrusive thoughts, urges, or images—known as obsessions—that often lead to significant anxiety or distress. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by both obsessions and compulsions. The common symptoms of OCD include:

• Obsessions: These are intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety or distress. They might involve fears of contamination, harming others, making a mistake, or fears of things being in the “right” order.

• Compulsions: These are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions. Examples include washing hands repeatedly, checking things (like doors or appliances), or counting rituals.

• Time-consuming: The obsessions and compulsions can consume hours each day, interfering with normal daily activities, work, or relationships.

• Distress or impairment: Individuals with OCD often experience significant distress or feel unable to control their obsessions and compulsions, which can impact social and professional life.

• Avoidance behaviors: Some individuals may avoid situations that trigger their obsessions, such as avoiding dirty places to prevent contamination fears.

• Repetitive thoughts or doubts: People with OCD might constantly worry about making mistakes, losing control, or feeling uncertain, leading them to perform certain rituals repeatedly to prevent perceived negative outcomes.

OCD symptoms can vary widely in severity, and it’s important to note that treatment, including therapy and medications, can help manage these symptoms. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s advisable to seek professional help. Dr. Flanigan Landeros specializes in evidence-based therapies tailored to help individuals manage these symptoms, regain control, and improve their quality of life. If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, our compassionate team is here to provide the support and expertise you need.

Dr. Flanigan Landeros understands that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can present in many different ways. Typically, OCD is characterized by the presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both. Obsessions are intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety or distress. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions or to prevent a feared event.

Some individuals may experience what is often called “Pure O” or “primarily obsessional OCD.” In these cases, a person may have obsessive thoughts without any obvious outward compulsive behaviors. However, even without visible actions like hand-washing or checking, people with “Pure O” commonly engage in mental rituals or covert compulsions. These can include mentally reviewing situations, seeking reassurance, silently repeating phrases, or mentally neutralizing distressing thoughts. Because these mental rituals are a form of compulsion, true OCD without any compulsions—whether behavioral or mental—is very rare.

Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros specializes in the accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of all OCD presentations, including “Pure O.” If you or a loved one is experiencing distressing thoughts or behaviors related to OCD, we encourage you to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and receive support tailored to your needs.

At Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros OCD & Psychological Services, we understand how challenging it can be to live with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD symptoms can worsen over time if left untreated. As the disorder progresses, obsessions may become more intense and frequent, leading to more distress. Compulsions may also become more elaborate and time-consuming, interfering with daily activities and responsibilities. In some cases, the scope of the obsessions and compulsions may expand, affecting additional aspects of life.

However, with the right treatment, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication, OCD symptoms can be effectively managed. Early intervention is key in preventing the disorder from becoming more debilitating and improving overall quality of life. Seeking professional help can provide the support needed to manage OCD symptoms.

You should seek help for OCD if your obsessions and compulsions are causing significant distress or interfering with your daily life. This includes if the symptoms are taking up a large portion of your time, affecting your ability to work, maintain relationships, or carry out routine activities. If you find that your rituals are becoming more complex, or if you feel unable to control the urge to perform compulsions, it’s important to reach out for support.

Additionally, if your symptoms are causing you to experience heightened anxiety, depression, or feelings of isolation, it’s a good idea to seek help. Early intervention can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life, so it’s never too soon to get support, even if your symptoms feel manageable. Professional treatment, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or medication, can be highly effective in managing OCD. Remember, OCD is a treatable condition. Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros and her team specialize in evidence-based care to help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Dr. Katie Flanigan-Landeros, a Clinical Psychologist, is a highly skilled and trusted provider for OCD symptom management, recognized for her specialized clinical training and extensive experience in treating a diverse patient population. With a focus on evidence-based therapeutic approaches, Dr. Flanigan-Landeros applies advanced techniques to effectively treat patients struggling with OCD. Her experience spans a wide range of OCD presentations, enabling her to provide tailored care that addresses the unique needs of each individual.

Advanced Training and Expertise

Dr. Flanigan-Landeros has specialized training in treating OCD, including complex cases such as hoarding and intrusive thoughts. Her expertise allows her to develop personalized treatment plans that focus on both psychological and behavioral aspects of OCD, ensuring effective symptom management.

Evidence-Based Treatment Methods

Dr. Flanigan-Landeros integrates proven therapies like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into her practice. These approaches are essential in addressing the root causes of OCD and helping patients manage their symptoms long-term.

Compassionate, Professional Care

With a compassionate and patient-centered approach, Dr. Flanigan-Landeros builds strong therapeutic relationships with her patients. She ensures that each individual feels supported and understood, creating an environment where they can thrive and make lasting progress in managing their OCD symptoms.

For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 400 Continental Blvd FL 6, Suite A El Segundo, CA 90245. We serve patients from El Segundo CA, Santa Monica CA, Inglewood CA, Gardena CA, Torrance CA, Hawthorne CA, Culver City CA, Westmont CA, West Los Angeles CA and surrounding areas.