Do you have OCD, anxiety, or both?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders are different types of mental health conditions that share some similar features. They also frequently occur alongside one another. Research shows that approximately 32% of people who have OCD also have an anxiety disorder. 

On the surface, it can be difficult to differentiate between OCD and anxiety because they can both involve frequent worry and mental distress. For example, living with an anxiety disorder can make a person feel worried in a variety of situations, even without cause. But people with OCD can feel anxious about their intrusive thoughts and the need to perform compulsive behaviors to relieve distress. 

This shared experience can leave a person wondering if they have OCD, anxiety, or both. The best way to answer this question is being evaluated by a mental health professional. But in the meantime, learning more about the similarities and differences between anxiety and OCD can help you better understand yourself and encourage you to seek support when it’s needed.

What’s the link between OCD and anxiety?

At one time, OCD was classified as an anxiety disorder. But that’s no longer the case. The most recent update to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) now places OCD in its own category, alongside similar conditions. This change highlights our evolving understanding of the link between OCD and anxiety.

Today, we know that both conditions can cause intense, persistent worry and an intolerance of uncertainty. However, OCD and anxiety also have some distinct signs and symptoms.

OCD signs and symptoms

People with OCD experience repeated, anxiety-inducing thoughts called obsessions. Obsessions are sometimes referred to as intrusive thoughts because they’re unwanted and difficult to control. 

For example, a person having an OCD episode might obsess about germs or cleanliness. They spend hours worrying that if they don’t clean their surroundings perfectly, they might get seriously sick. In response, they feel compelled to engage in a behavior or mental process called a compulsion. So, the person might spend hours sanitizing their surroundings or engaging in elaborate cleaning rituals. These compulsions are intended to reduce the discomfort brought on by obsessions. But the relief is short-lived, and without treatment, the cycle of obsessions and compulsions typically persists.

Anxiety disorder signs and symptoms

People with anxiety disorders may move through life in a state of constant worry. In response, their minds and bodies react with a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. For example, they may experience a rapid heart rate, sweaty palms, sleep disturbances, digestive problems, and/or intense discomfort in social settings. These symptoms often manifest in a variety of settings even when there’s no real threat at hand. 

As is the case with OCD, people with anxiety disorders have trouble controlling their thoughts. They may have an awareness that their fears are irrational, but they still have trouble controlling them. 

Causes

We don’t have a complete understanding of what causes co-occurring OCD and anxiety. But research has revealed some possible risk factors for both conditions:

• Genetics: Like other mental health conditions, OCD and anxiety tend to run in families.
• Environment: Being exposed to stressful life events may increase the risk of OCD and anxiety.
• Biology: Certain differences in brain structure may be linked to both OCD and anxiety.
• Personality: Being a person who’s naturally more predisposed to worrying may increase your risk of OCD and anxiety.

Effects

Without treatment, symptoms of OCD and anxiety can get worse over time. This can negatively affect your mental and physical health, your relationships, and your ability to function in daily life. Unmanaged mental health concerns can make it difficult to meet your obligations at home, work, and school. Ongoing instability can significantly detract from your quality of life.

What’s the difference between OCD and anxiety?

Differentiating between OCD and anxiety is a complex process that typically requires support from a mental health professional. But as you familiarize yourself with these conditions, there are a few key differences to be aware of:

• People with anxiety disorders aren’t compelled to engage in ritualistic behaviors or mental exercises to alleviate distress. However, people with OCD frequently engage in compulsive behaviors to relieve their anxiety.
• People with anxiety disorders often feel anxious in everyday scenarios. For example, they might worry about embarrassing themselves in a new social situation. People with OCD, however, can experience irrational or “magical” fears that feel disconnected from reality, leading to specific compulsions.

Managing OCD and anxiety 

If you or someone you care about is living with OCD and anxiety, know that you can manage both conditions with the right support. This typically involves a combination of the following:

• Therapy: One of the most effective treatments for OCD and anxiety is a modality called exposure response prevention (ERP). ERP encourages people to face their fears and triggers in a controlled environment to reduce their impact over time. ERP also helps people avoid compulsions by replacing these behaviors with healthier coping strategies. While it can be challenging at first, know that ERP is conducted by a trained therapist who can provide support throughout the experience.
• Medication: Many people living with anxiety and/or OCD benefit from making medication a part of their treatment plan. You can talk to your provider about whether or not this is the right option for you at this time.
• Self-care: While professional treatment is typically needed for anxiety and OCD, you can do some things to support your recovery. This includes creating a routine that includes a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and movement you enjoy. Practicing mindfulness, journaling, challenging your anxious thoughts, and self-compassion can help keep your worries in check.

Find care with Rula

When someone experiences chronic, excessive worry, it might be easy to assume that they’re living with an anxiety disorder. But anxiety is also a prominent symptom of OCD, and sometimes it can be difficult to tell the difference between these two conditions.

Rest assured that if you think you might be living with anxiety, OCD, or both, the specialized care you deserve is just a few clicks away. With Rula, you can quickly and easily connect with an in-network therapist whom you can meet with from the comfort of home. To get the process started, check out our therapist-matching program and schedule your first appointment for as soon as tomorrow.

Find care with Rula