Mental health conditions do not exist in a vacuum. There are countless variables, triggers, causes, and other factors. One such element is the reality that more than one disorder may be present simultaneously. For example, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can co-exist.

Studies vary but it’s believed that as many as 25 percent of those with a diagnosis may also have the other. For anyone with co-morbid OCD and ADHD, the estimates are not the point. They want to know whether they have been properly diagnosed and, if so, what’s next? What connections and strategies can be employed to handle this double challenge?

ADHD and OCD Share Similarities (and Differences)

  • They Impact the Same Part of the Brain: ADHD and OCD affect the frontostriatal area of your brain. This results in challenges when it comes to memory, decision-making, and planning.
  • Attention Deficit: This term is literally part of ADHD’s name but it’s also common with OCD. Obsessions and compulsions can dominate your thought processes and thus cause you to lose focus elsewhere.
  • Anxiety and Depression: OCD and ADHD increase stress levels which, in turn, increases the likelihood of depression or anxiety.
  • Problems at School or Work: Your daily life is more challenging when you struggle with time management, concentration, and executive functioning. This tree can be most obvious in a workplace or academic setting.
  • Sleep Disturbances: The majority of folks with either disorder experience a wide array of sleep-related problems.
  • Digestive Disturbances: For OCD, the most common form this takes is irritable bowel syndrome. People with ADHD are more likely to face irritable bowel syndrome or chronic constipation. When OCD and ADHD are both present, obviously, the gut issues can multiply.
  • The Role of Trauma: There is an increasing amount of evidence linking childhood trauma with developmental conditions like ADHD and OCD.

Of course, the differences between OCD and ADHD are important to note since they play a huge role in getting an accurate diagnosis. Generally speaking, ADHD is a condition that causes people to react externally to triggers. OCD, conversely, is noted by the way an individual will react internally to stressful events.

But how does someone with both disorders handle the dual impacts?

Coping Strategies for the Double Challenge of ADHD and OCD

The First Step Is Proper Diagnosis

It’s not unusual for one of the disorders to be identified while the other is missed. Here are some of the traps to avoid:

  • OCD is often stereotyped as being all about cleanliness or order. This myth can make symptoms trickier to recognize.
  • A person who tends toward hyper-focus may be automatically labeled as ADHD without considering how this can be common with OCD, too.
  • Someone with ADHD may create rituals to help them function while the “C” in OCD is for the compulsions created to help them reduce anxiety. These two sets of behaviors can be mistaken for one another.
  • OCD can make a person prioritize obsessions and compulsions while leaving other tasks incomplete. From the outside, this sign might be reflexively assigned to ADHD.

Once it’s been established that both conditions are present, coping strategies can be created, e.g.:

  • Starting a mindfulness practice.
  • Establishing structure via daily routines.
  • Leaning on one’s trusted support system to get the help they need.
  • Basic self-care steps pertaining to sleep, exercise, eating habits, and relaxation techniques.
  • Patience and self-compassion.

Working with an Experienced Therapist

Each person with ADHD and OCD presents differently but all can be treated using some combination of therapy, medication, and coping strategies. To learn more about your options for OCD and/or ADHD therapy, I invite you to reach out to talk very soon.

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