ADHD AND OCD
WHAT IS OCD?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by ‘unreasonable’ obsessions (intrusive, upsetting thoughts) and/or compulsions (repetitive behaviours) and can cause great anxiety. No, OCD is not a gift. It’s not fun. It’s not exciting. It’s not “I’ve got everything sorted and together because I like it that way”. It can take up a lot of time and get in the way of other things. Symptoms can range from cleaning, skin picking, hoarding and counting to performing intricate rituals in order to prevent something terrible from happening.
WHAT IS THE CONNECTION?
The behavior overlaps between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and OCD is complex. Both conditions are affected by the pre-fontal cortex which is responsible for executive functioning i.e. organizing information, regulating the mind and body. This area of the brain seems to under-function for people with ADHD and to over-function for those with OCD. Both are impacted by mood- affecting neurotransmitters. ADHD correlates with a lack of dopamine, while OCD involves serotonin deficiency.
ARE YOU BORN WITH IT?
Typically, both ADHD and OCD have a strong genetic component and tend to run in families. Developmentally, ADHD occurs before age 12, while the age of onset for OCD is between 10-12 or late teens into early adulthood.
IS OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVENESS A PERSONALITY OR PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDER?
Both! OCD and OCDP (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Personality) sound alike, but are very different conditions with its own symptoms and treatment plans. ADHD and OCPD together, are less common though.
CAN BOREDOM OR INATTENTION MAKE OCD WORSE?
The symptoms can intertwine with each other. For scatter brained ADHD people, their world often feels out of control. They can overcompensate for their tendency to be disorganized, distracted and inattentive by adopting OCD-like coping skills i.e. rigid lists and double-checking things or else they could forget. The way my ADHD works, is that I find clutter to be visually distracting. I clean my workspace every time before writing a report. My meticulous cleaning (and procrastination!) means I do need my space to be clear to think straight. It is important to understand the basis and motivation for certain behaviours.
ADHD AND OCD TREATMENT
Treatments may include medication and therapy. It works if you do it right and stick with it. If both conditions are present, it can be tricky. It depends on the severity and on which is the primary or secondary condition. In many cases, the OCD gets managed first. The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can sometimes quiet the mind and other times exacerbate the OCD symptoms i.e. focusing on the obsessive thoughts more.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Having either ADHD or OCD can be challenging on its own. It is essential to work together with health professionals who can identify, understand and address both conditions. If you know of somebody who may have either or both conditions, it’s important to validate their concerns and encourage them to seek treatment. Living a healthy life is possible.
References:
The OCD-ADHD Link: What you should know when you have both (Olivardia, R.)
International OCD Foundation (IOCDF); Children and Adults with ADHD (CHADD); Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA).
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