ADHD vs. OCD Symptoms | Treatment Options & Support

Although they may share some common symptoms, ADHD and OCD are distinctly different types of neurodivergent disorders. Due to these shared symptoms, misdiagnosis do sometimes occur. Here we examine ADHD vs. OCD symptoms, and which symptoms happen to overlap.

About Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is commonly detected in early childhood due to symptoms of distractibility and impulsivity. Kids who struggle with ADHD have a hard time sitting still, paying attention, and staying on task.

Although many children outgrow ADHD, for others the disorder may carry into adulthood. In fact, about 8 million adults are diagnosed with ADHD. In adulthood, similar ADHD symptoms persist that can cause difficulty in work life and relationships.

A thorough assessment determines which type of ADHD is predominant. These include inattentive type ADHD, hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD, or combined type ADHD.

Symptoms of adult ADHD include:

• Difficulty focusing or paying attention
• Restlessness
• Impulsiveness
• Quick temper or angry outbursts
• Poor time management skills
• Trouble following instructions or remembering the details
• Having trouble completing tasks or projects
• Poor planning skills
• Difficulty managing stress

About Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is a mental health disorder affecting about 1.2% of U.S. adults and features uncontrollable recurring thoughts and behaviors. This causes much distress affecting all areas of the person’s life. Obsessive thoughts lead to compulsive actions, which creates a dysfunctional cycle that becomes all consuming. Thus, OCD can lead the person to avoidance behaviors, such as isolating themselves to avoid triggers.

Some of the more common types of obsessive thoughts involve:

• Irrational fear of germs or contamination
• Fear of a possible dangerous event, such as setting the house on fire
• Having forbidden sexual thoughts
• Being a perfectionist and needing things to be arranged just so

Some of the more common types of compulsive behaviors include:

• Frequent hand washing, cleaning, or avoiding physical contact with others
• Checking behaviors, such as checking that the lights or the oven are turned off
• Repeating routine actions, like going in and out of a door, tapping, touching, or blinking
• Placing items in a certain way, usually symmetrical and ordered; hoarding

ADHD and OCD Overlapping Symptoms

Although ADHD and OCD are mental health conditions that share some symptoms in common, they are separate and distinct. It is also important to note that these two conditions can co-occur, making it hard to spot which is dominant.

Both conditions will require expert mental health support and treatment to achieve a satisfactory quality of life. Let’s take a look at the symptoms these two mental health disorders share in common:

• Sleep disruptions
• Impaired short-term memory
• Emotion regulation challenges
• Shared genetic traits
• Intrusive thoughts
• Sensory sensitivity
• Prone to co-occurring depression, anxiety, or self-harm
• Skin picking and/or hair pulling behaviors
• Stomach problems

With the overlapping symptoms comes the possibility of misdiagnosing one or the other condition. To distinguish between the two, consider these major differences:

• ADHD seeks excitement and novelty vs. OCD seeking routine and familiarity
• ADHD is more impulsive and seeks thrills vs OCD is risk avoidant
• ADHD has difficulty regulating impulses vs OCD struggles with invasive and persistent thoughts

ADHD vs OCD and Co-Occurring Addiction

How do ADHD vs OCD symptoms relate to co-occurring substance use disorder?

ADHD and Addiction. Research has shown that ADHD causes a dysfunction in the reward pathways in the brain. Executive functions in the limbic region, such as regulating impulsivity and decision making, are also affected by ADHD. Together, the impaired dopamine transmission and difficulties with self-control may contribute to substance abuse, especially alcohol use disorder.

OCD and Addiction. According to a study published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders, it is estimated that 25% of the individuals who struggle with OCD also have a substance use disorder. Of those who have the dual diagnosis, 70% report that the OCD presented first. Individuals with OCD may abuse marijuana, benzodiazepines, amphetamines, or alcohol in an attempt to divert the distress caused by the mental health disorder.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment for ADHD or OCD

When substance use disorder develops alongside ADHD or OCD, it requires a specialty area of treatment called dual diagnosis treatment. The idea behind dual diagnosis treatment is that both the substance use disorder and the mental health challenge need to be treated together. The reasoning is that treating one disorder and not the other will not result in a sustained recovery.

A dual diagnosis program includes both psychiatric expertise and addiction recovery expertise. The dual diagnosis treatment center is therefore equipped to identify ADHD vs OCD symptoms, make an accurate diagnosis, and treat it. At the same time, the substance use disorder will all so be addressed and treated, starting with a medical detox.

Treatment Options for ADHD or OCD

The level of care needed for the treatment of ADHD or OCD depends on the severity of the mental health disorder. Another factor that determines the treatment setting is whether there is a co-occurring substance use disorder. A residential dual diagnosis and primary mental health treatment rehab includes the following treatment elements:

• Detox. If there is a dual diagnosis, treatment begins with detox and withdrawal. Detox involves the body ridding itself of the substance prior to starting treatment. Individual psychotherapy. During the therapy sessions for ADHD or OCD, the individual is guided toward adopting new thought and behavior responses.
• Group therapy. Group therapy sessions provide a safe space where peers in recovery receive support from both a licensed therapist and each other.
• Family therapy. Engaging the family in the treatment process benefits both the client and their family members.
• Medication management. Medication for a co-occurring substance use disorder, and/or for OCD or ADHD, may be beneficial in recovery.
• Relapse prevention. Relapse prevention planning helps prepare clients for a successful recovery by teaching them how to manage impulses, stressors, and triggers.
• Holistic activities. Holistic activities like yoga, meditation and art therapy can enhance and deepen the treatment experience.
• Nutrition. Restoring wellness through nutrition and exercise improves recovery success.

The Treatment Specialist’s Mental Health and Dual Diagnosis Treatment for ADHD or OCD

The Treatment Specialist offers compassionate support for individuals who struggle with either ADHD or OCD. Understanding the differences between ADHD vs OCD symptoms is the first step toward getting the appropriate level of care. Our luxury mental health and dual diagnosis treatment programs provide comprehensive treatment in a tranquil setting. For more information about the program, contact us today.