You might be wondering, “are OCD and Anxiety linked?”
Maybe you have a diagnosis of OCD,
Anxiety or both and have had trouble identifying what's what when symptoms occur. Perhaps you're not sure which diagnosis fits you best and are doubting your experience.
Let’s talk about the relationship between OCD and Anxiety!
The relationship between OCD and Anxiety
If you are reading this you might be wondering one or more of the following questions:
Are OCD and Anxiety linked?
How do I know if I have OCD or Anxiety?
What is OCD?
What is Anxiety?
Can I have both OCD and Anxiety?
How do you tell the difference between Anxiety symptoms and OCD?
OCD and Anxiety used to be within the same family of diagnoses and recently had been split into two completely separate diagnoses in the DSM 5. Many people will still refer to them as being in the same category or family of mental health disorders. Broadly, OCD and Anxiety are both Anxiety disorders, however, they are distinctly different in how they function and in how they are treated.
What is Anxiety?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder involves excessive worrying, fear, irritability, fatigue, poor concentration, sleep, and muscle tension. GAD often occurs in ‘expectation’ or ‘apprehension’ of something such as a test or exam. Often, the experience of worry or stress occurs in relation to a real stressor but is often looked at by the individual as more stressful or overwhelming than it may actually be. This experience can be difficult especially when the individual feels helpless in how they respond to stressors in their life or lack coping tools.
A common term referenced in Anxiety disorders is “catastrophizing” which means responding to something with the belief that the worst possible outcome will occur.
What is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder often involves the cycle of intrusive thought(s), anxiety, compulsion(s), and relief. OCD often involves a specific fear, phobia, or intrusive/obsessive thought(s). This cycle is what keeps the OCD active and often the actual problem over time is that individuals are engaging in ‘compulsions’.
Here are some common themes of OCD:
Contamination
‘Just right’
Checking
Harm
Relationship
Scrupulosity
Symmetry
Sexual
Perfectionism
Treatment of OCD and Anxiety
OCD is treated using ERP (exposure response prevention) whereas GAD is treated using CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). Individuals can work through their OCD by finding an ERP therapist, and oftentimes that therapist will also utilize CBT.
A physician might prescribe similar medications for both OCD and Anxiety but at different dosages.
Looking for an ERP and CBT-trained therapist?
Some of the best places to look are IOCDF and Psychology Today.
Want to book a consultation with me? Let’s connect!