ADHD VS OCD – Difference, Symptoms, Treatment, and More

Like in a puzzle, each piece has its place. The same is true with ADHD and OCD. You cannot use these terms interchangeably as they are distinct and will not fit into the intricate mosaic of human experience.

That said, in this post, we focus on explaining the differences between ADHD and OCD, how they impact our lives, and what can be done to cope with them.

Popularly known ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and OCD (Obsessive-compulsive disorder) are two distinct mental health conditions that people either know or have heard about. In ADHD, there is excessive impulsiveness and activity, while OCD is about obsessive thoughts. But to an untrained eye, they look alike because some symptoms may overlap. Hence, we will explain how they differ regarding brain activity, signs, and other traits to clear this confusion.

What is ADHD?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), ADHD is a mental condition that makes it difficult for individuals to adjust to the external environment. Due to this, how individuals relate to the external environment is affected. They can either be inattentive, unable to control impulses, or are hyperactive. Also, they cannot get instructions or stay in one place for long.

Symptoms of ADHD

The symptoms of ADHD vary from person to person. Both males and females present different signs, but ADHD impacts every aspect of life. Some may experience hyperactivity and inattentiveness, while others might face difficulty concentrating and remembering things, are impulsive, restless, or tend to interrupt conversations.

Symptoms of Inattention include:

• Are unable to pay attention to one task and finish it on time.
• Get easily distracted and can only focus on something briefly.
• When it comes to managing time and organizing things, they face challenges.
• Overlook details.
• If a task requires mental input, they tend to avoid it.
• It seems like they do not listen when others speak.
• Lose everyday items due to inattentiveness.
• Make silly mistakes and face difficulty in paying attention to details.
• Are forgetful.

Symptoms of Hyperactivity and impulsivity:

• Are mostly restless and cannot remain still or in one place.
• Find it difficult to talk in turns or play.
• Make excessive noise when speaking or doing any task.
• Patience is not their forte.

What is OCD?

In contrast, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is internalized, and individuals with it are anxious and have intrusive thoughts. Like in ADHD, there is inattention, impulsivity, or both. In OCD, there is obsession, compulsion, or both.

You will find people exhibiting repetitive behaviors or performing some tasks out of compulsion, as they think it will help them destress. Also, people with OCD stay away from potentially harmful situations, and they worry about the outcome their actions can have; hence, they do not act impulsively.  Moreover, individuals with OCD rarely smoke.

Symptoms of Obsessions in OCD include:

• Unwanted thoughts about religion or sex.
• Thoughts about contamination.
• Thoughts about harming oneself or others.
• Fear of misplacing things.
• They focus a lot on things and want everything to be organized.
• Violent thought for self or others.

Symptoms of Compulsions include:

• Repeated and excessive washing of hands.
• Counting or arranging objects in a specific order.
• Repeating numbers.
• Continuously cleaning the surroundings, table, etc.
• Check devices or appliances as they fear accidents or damage. 

How are ADHD and OCD similar?

While ADHD and OCD are distinct conditions, some of their symptoms coincide. Also, both affect the frontal lobe, but the activity varies. In OCD patients, there is increased activity in the frontal lobe, while in ADHD patients, there is less activity in this region. However, the impact these disorders have on cognitive functioning is similar. They both face difficulty in planning, switching between tasks, responding to inhibitions, decision making, and working memory and cannot perform executive functions properly.

Neurotransmitter Imbalance:

There is dopamine imbalance in both ADHD and OCD causing attention and focus issues in ADHD individuals and compulsive behaviors and intrusive thoughts in OCD people.

Cognitive Functioning:

Both ADHD and OCD individuals struggle with organization, planning, decision-making, and working memory.

Intrusive Thoughts:

Negative and intrusive thoughts are common in both disorders. However, as OCD is internal these thoughts are related to tasks they are performing while in ADHD they thoughts may be unrelated to the task at hand.

Impulsivity:

Impulsiveness is the hallmark of ADHD and for individuals with OCD impulsiveness comes into play when the obsessive thoughts distresses the person. This explains how even after being different their characteristics mingle.

Furthermore, different research shows, ADHD and OCD coexist, which makes dealing with it complicated but with a proper treatment plan one disorder can be treated at a time.

Treatment Options

A combination of Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication is often suggested to treat OCD and ADHD.

To control or decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity in ADHD patients medication is prescribed while for people with OCD medication is provided to reduce symptoms and increase the level of serotonin in the brain of OCD patients.

With the help of psychotherapies like CBT and ERP, they are gradually exposed to the feared thought or situation so that they can learn to manage their anxiety without getting impulsive or exhibiting compulsive behavior.

Can OCD be Mistaken for ADHD?

Since some of the symptoms mingle, some people often mistake OCD for ADHD. For example, inattentiveness in ADHD might be misinterpreted as a lack of focus due to OCD. Intrusive thoughts might be considered as the reason for compulsion. Therefore, before you diagnose by looking at a person or labeling them, it is best to seek professional help because only a professional can tell the problem.

How can you tell the difference between OCD and ADHD?

Distinguishing between OCD and ADHD involves looking at the primary symptoms. ADHD primarily involves attention and impulse control issues, while OCD revolves around intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors driven by anxiety.

1. Primary Symptoms: ADHD’s core symptoms involve inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. In contrast, OCD’s focus is on obsessions and the resulting compulsions.

2. Underlying Anxiety: While anxiety is present in both conditions, OCD’s obsessions and compulsions primarily stem from anxiety about specific issues. ADHD-related difficulties often arise from focus and impulse control challenges.

Is OCD on the ADHD spectrum?

No, OCD and ADHD are separate. They might share some similarities but are not in the same spectrum. Each condition has its diagnostic, distinct features, and coping mechanisms.

How ADHD and OCD may be confused: 

The confusion between ADHD and OCD often stems from similarities like inattention, forgetfulness, and difficulty with organization. Hence, contacting a qualified mental health professional is recommended for accurate diagnosis. Inattentiveness in ADHD might be confused with obsessions, which leads to misdiagnosis. Furthermore, hyperactivity in people with ADHD can sometimes be mistaken for repetitive compulsions.

Can you have both?

Yes, an individual can have both ADHD and OCD. However, such a condition is challenging, and dealing with it requires patience and time.

Piecing OCD and ADHD: 

Although ADHD and OCD may share similar symptoms, it is important to understand that they are different. The former is about impulsiveness and hyperactivity, and the latter is about compulsion and obsession. Suppose you find someone struggling with such issues or exhibiting symptoms of ADHD or OCD, as discussed above.

In that case, it is best to contact a psychologist or a therapist, as they can diagnose and provide a proper plan for treatment. You should not overlook mental health issues as you matter. If you find yourself or someone you know struggling with obsessions or compulsions that disrupt daily life or hyperactivity, it is best to talk rather than to overlook.

Next Read:

• How to Manage ADHD Mood Swings
• “Why Is My ADHD So Bad Today?” | Coping Tips For Better Days
• The OCD Twist You Didn’t Know: Recognizing OCD Opposite Thoughts