Loading Page
Dr. Deanna Lau, DO is a developmental pediatrician in Santa Rosa, CA specializing in developmental-behavioral pediatrics. She graduated from Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Deanna Lau, DO is affiliated with Providence, Sutter Health and Providence Medical Foundation.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, commonly referred to as "OCD," is a disorder characterized by patterns of unwelcome thoughts, ideas, or feelings (known as "obsessions") that may cause people to perform repetitive actions. For example, people with OCD may feel compelled to repeatedly wash their hands or to clean or to check on doors to confirm that they are indeed locked. These repetitive behaviors are often fueled by fears or strong beliefs about personal control and potential dangers. The compulsive thoughts and ritualistic behaviors associated with OCD can interfere with daily life and cause severe distress.
OCD frequently revolves around themes such as the fear of contracting germs or the fear of death. Common obsessions include:
These obsessions and compulsions often contribute to anxiety, depression, and recurring emotions of fear and disgust. People with OCD cannot "turn off" their patterns of thought or behavior, and thus must continually grapple with urges to behave or think in a certain way, as well as the emotions associated with these urges. Some OCD patients describe their entire life as revolving around their obsessions and compulsions and this can result in their missing out on important school and social activities, travel, and family time. The impact of OCD is extensive and can even make daily activities like drinking, reading, sleeping, and eating extremely difficult.
The obsessions manifest in compulsive behaviors that can have negative implications on one's life. Some examples of compulsive behaviors include, among others:
Obsessive-compulsive disorder affects adults, adolescents, and children. OCD has been observed in children as young as five or six years of age, usually through sensitivity issues, obsessions about dirt or germs, or repeated doubts. The cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder is unknown. However, a person's likelihood of developing the condition may be increased by a number of variables such as family history, stressful life events, and pre-existing mental health disorders.
OCD is diagnosed based on a patients' reported symptoms. For example, a pediatrician or child psychiatrist may ask children (or their parents) how often they wash their hands or experience behavioral urges. Psychiatrists will evaluate patients for other symptoms and may instruct patients to describe their mental processes, thought patterns, and previous traumatic experiences.
While there is no cure for OCD, treatment can greatly improve patients' functioning in daily routines and activities. A common treatment for OCD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps patients identify negative patterns of thought and behavior and learn how to adjust them. Aversion therapy may also help those who have a fear of germs or contamination by forcing them to confront their fear and slowly overcome it. Many patients also benefit from counseling to address the anxiety, stress, and trauma that may accompany OCD. Other treatments for OCD include oral medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, which are antidepressants) to normalize levels of a brain chemical called serotonin, which may improve OCD symptoms. Medications such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) can help alleviate OCD-related behavioral urges, anxiety, and depression. Many OCD patients also find OCD support groups helpful to learn new coping strategies, to socialize, and to verbalize their emotions and experiences.
It is important to note that while OCD is a common mental health disorder, it is not a personality trait. The term "OCD" is sometimes used to informally describe someone having a tendency towards organization or orderliness. This usage is pervasive but inappropriate - OCD is a severe, life-altering condition. Some people with OCD who successfully manage their symptoms find that they may benefit from other traits that may be associated with OCD, such as high attention to detail and precision.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that people may develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. PTSD causes recurring nightmares, flashbacks, and disturbing memories about the traumatic event. It is frequently triggered by particularly intense and life-threatening incidents. For example, someone involved in a serious car accident may have severe anxiety about the accident months or even years later. War veterans and people involved in armed conflict are particularly prone to developing PTSD. In decades past, PTSD was called shellshock and was used to describe the negative emotions that soldiers endured from war. Today, medical professionals who treat PTSD recognize that it can occur in all types of people and can result from all types of traumatic incidents. It is not known exactly why some people develop PTSD, although PTSD frequently arises from:
People who have experienced significant and repeated trauma are more likely to develop PTSD. Those who have disorders like depression or a family history of depression may also be more prone to PTSD. PTSD symptoms typically begin one month to one year following the traumatic event. There are four main categories of PTSD symptoms:
The intensity and frequency of these symptoms can vary over time. PTSD symptoms may suddenly return after disappearing for years. Many PTSD patients find treatment helps to gradually reduce their symptoms over time.
The most common treatments for PTSD are psychotherapy and oral medications. Psychotherapy for PTSD can include cognitive therapy (therapy to change thought patterns), exposure therapy (therapy to confront memories of the traumatic incident) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR). EMDR integrates exposure therapy with guided eye movements to help patients confront and process their trauma. Certain oral medications may help with PTSD, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. Self-care, support groups, and relaxation may also benefit those with PTSD.
The path to overcoming PTSD can be long and challenging and people with PTSD can benefit greatly by seeking professional treatment from a mental health care provider. Treatment can reduce PTSD symptoms, provide essential coping strategies, and improve one's quality of life.
Dr. Deanna Lau, DO graduated from Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed residency at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and Affiliated Hospitals. She is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Pediatrics, Pediatrics and has a state license in California.
Medical School: Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: SUNY Downstate Medical Center and Affiliated Hospitals
Board Certification: American Osteopathic Board of Pediatrics, Pediatrics
Licensed In: California
Dr. Deanna Lau, DO is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Deanna Lau, DO appears to accept the following insurance providers: Aetna PPO, CIGNA PPO, CIGNA HMO, MultiPlan PPO, Western Health Advantage HMO, Blue Shield of California, Medicare Advantage, HealthSmart, Interplan PPO, TriWest, TRICARE, Anthem Blue Cross HMO, Anthem Blue Cross PPO, Health Net PPO, Health Net HMO, Anthem, Coventry PPO, United Healthcare PPO, United Healthcare HMO, US Family Health Plan, First Health PPO, Aetna Medicare PPO, Partnership Health Plan of California and CoventryFirst Health PPO.
According to our sources, Dr. Deanna Lau, DO accepts the following insurance providers:
Dr. Deanna Lau, DO has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 30 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Deanna Lau, DO from all over the web to help you find the right in Santa Rosa, CA.
Dr. Deanna Lau is a physician who specializes in developmental-behavioral pediatrics. Dr. Lau is rated highly by her patients. Areas of expertise for Dr. Lau include growth problems, conduct disorder, and selective mutism. She appears to be an in-network provider for Anthem, Blue California, HealthSmart, and more. Before completing her residency at a hospital affiliated with SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Dr. Lau attended medical school at Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Lau's hospital/clinic affiliations include Sutter Health and Providence Medical Foundation. According to Providence Medical Foundation, she is currently accepting new patients at her office in Santa Rosa, CA.
