TREATMENT FOR obsessive-compulsive DISORDEr

OCD Therapists on Long Island, Ny

what is ocd?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that causes people to have unwanted thoughts or behaviors that repeat. These thoughts are called obsessions, and the behaviors are called compulsions. OCD can cause significant distress and interfere with daily life.

causes & commonalities

For any single person, the exact cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is often unknown. In general, we know that several factors contribute to the development of OCD, including genetics, observing OCD behaviors in family members, stressful life events and trauma, and chemical changes in the brain. You can contact one of our OCD therapists on Long Island below.

ocd symptoms

common themes of ocd

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) often revolves around themes or types of obsessions and compulsions. Some common themes of OCD include:

our approach to treatment

Success with cbt & dbt

CBT & DB T now has overwhelming research support demonstrating its success with clients struggling with multiple problems.

OCD FAQ

What triggers an OCD flare up?

OCD flare-ups are often triggered by stress, major life changes, lack of sleep, illness, or exposure to situations that activate specific obsessions. Hormonal shifts and disruptions to routine can also intensify symptoms temporarily.

Does stress make OCD worse?

Yes. Stress is one of the most common factors that worsens OCD symptoms. It doesn’t cause OCD, but it can intensify obsessions and compulsions, especially during periods of change, conflict, or uncertainty.

Can OCD symptoms change over time?

Yes. OCD symptoms can shift in focus, intensity, and theme throughout a person’s life. Someone may experience contamination-related obsessions for years and later develop different obsessions, such as relationship or harm-related intrusive thoughts.

Can OCD make you feel like you're losing control?

It’s common for people with OCD to feel this way during intense episodes, but OCD does not cause psychosis or a loss of touch with reality. These feelings are a symptom of the anxiety and intrusive thoughts themselves, and they improve significantly with proper treatment.

What is the best treatment for OCD flare-ups?

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, a specialized form of CBT, is considered the gold-standard treatment for OCD and is highly effective at reducing the frequency and severity of flare-ups over time.