Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) share some overlapping symptoms, and they can have similar effects on the way people function at school and on the job. Although it isn’t common, it may be possible for people to have ADHD and OCD at the same time. It’s also possible to be misdiagnosed — one condition mistaken for the other. Here’s a look at what ADHD and OCD have in common, along with how you can tell the two apart.
How ADHD and OCD May Be Confused
These two conditions share a lot of territory. Similar symptoms and similar effects can increase the possibility of a misdiagnosis.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a developmental condition that causes people to be inattentive, impulsive, or overly active — sometimes all three. People with ADHD often have a hard time completing projects and staying organized. The disorder can cause problems at school, at work, and at home.
Around 6.1 million children in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD. That’s roughly 9.4 percent of the childhood population, making ADHD one of the most commonly diagnosed developmental disorders in the United States.
What Are the Symptoms of ADHD?
Symptoms of ADHD typically start before age 12 years, even if the diagnosis occurs later. They vary from person to person, especially in their severity. Some people have more difficulty with attentiveness, while others may be more hyperactive. Most people experience some combination of these symptoms:
- Difficulty focusing or staying on task
- Problems keeping track of materials – solution? click here
- Trouble following through on complex projects
- Distractibility and forgetfulness
- Appearing not to listen when spoken to
- Increased need to be up and moving
- Fidgetiness
- Impulsivity
- Tendency to interrupt other people
- Excessive talking
What is OCD?
OCD is a condition that causes people to have unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) along with behaviors they believe they must repeat (compulsions). People with OCD often use their compulsions to try and quiet or counteract their obsessive thoughts. If left untreated, OCD can lead to anxiety, depression, and other health problems.
It’s important to note that though most people have both obsessions and compulsions, the diagnostic criteria states “obsessions, compulsions, or both,” so a person could have obsessions alone.
Although it’s less common than ADHD, OCD affects millions of people in the United States every year. Around 2.3 percent of the population has experienced OCD for some period during their lifetime.
What Are the Symptoms of OCD?
OCD has two primary symptoms: obsessions and compulsions.
Obsessions are repetitive, upsetting, and unwanted thoughts. They may include:
- Intense fear of acquiring infections or experiencing contamination
- Thoughts of self-harm or harming someone else
- Unwelcome sexual or religious thoughts
- Strong need to make things orderly, symmetrical, or predictable
Compulsions may look like these behaviors:
- Extreme or excessive cleaning
- Counting rituals
- Precise organizing or arranging of objects
- Frequent checking and re-checking
Obsessions and compulsions take up a lot of time, creating conflicts in many areas of life.
How Are ADHD and OCD Similar?
These two disorders share certain symptoms and cause similar problems. Both have a genetic connection.
Both Conditions Involve the Same Brain Areas
Brain scans show that ADHD and OCD both produce atypical activity in the same neural pathway in the brain — the frontostriatal area.
Both Can Interfere with Academic and Career Success
Time management and focus challenges are common in both conditions, affecting school and work performance.
Both Disorders Can Affect Attention
In both cases, a lack of focus may be present, though the underlying reasons differ.
Both Impact Relationships
Family and friends often provide crucial support, though they may also experience stress due to these conditions.
Both Can Trigger Anger, Anxiety, and Depression
Symptoms of both disorders can lead to heightened emotional responses, including stress and depression.
Both Are Associated with Sleep Problems
Sleep disorders are frequently observed in individuals with either condition.
Both Are Linked to GI Issues
Studies show a higher prevalence of gastrointestinal problems among individuals with ADHD and OCD.
Both May Be Caused or Worsened by Trauma
Childhood trauma has been linked to the emergence or worsening of both disorders.
How Are ADHD and OCD Different?
Despite their similarities, these disorders differ in key ways.
- The Basic Nature of the Disorders Is Different
ADHD is an externalizing disorder, while OCD is an internalizing disorder. - They Show Different Effects on Brain Activity
ADHD is linked to low frontostriatal activity, while OCD shows excessive activity in the same region. - They May Involve Different Levels of Risk Tolerance
ADHD is often associated with impulsivity and risk-taking, while OCD may lead to risk avoidance.
Can You Have Both?
Possibly. Between 8 percent and 25.5 percent of people may have both ADHD and OCD, though some researchers believe this overlap may be due to misdiagnosis.
The Takeaway
Though ADHD and OCD can look alike and cause similar issues, accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. If you have symptoms of either or both, seek professional guidance to ensure the right treatment plan is in place.
No Comments