This can create complications when it comes to diagnosis and treatment.
OCD and ADHD affect similar regions of the brain and have effects on functioning and relationships.
However, there are important differences that help distinguish the two conditions.
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One-third of adults with OCD had the disorder as a child.
Many also recognize there are crossover symptoms of OCD-like behavior and several other disorders.
Estimates suggest that around 12% of people with OCD also have ADHD.
Among children with OCD, around 25.5% also have ADHD.
While they seem very different, the overlapping symptoms and effects can create challenges.
What Causes OCD and ADHD?
OCD and ADHD are strange bedfellows.
Both are brought on by problems in the frontal lobe.
People with the inattentive jot down of ADHD are often distracted, disorganized, daydreamy, and forgetful.
Again, not your stereotypical OCD traits.
Those who have thecombined key in of ADHD(about 70%) have symptoms of both.
), creates challenges in the classroom.
Understanding what motivates the childs (or adults) behavior is key to a proper diagnosis.
How ADHD Can Mimic OCD
ADHD can result in OCD-like coping skills.
Sometimes, that isprocrastination, a typical ADHD trait, but it may be an ADHD coping skill.
Many people with ADHD become over-stimulated by the clutter and disorganization in their environment.
This often results in anxiety or simply shutting down.
arranging, ordering, and checking.
In fact, most do not have spotless homes or lockers.
It was once believed to largely disappear after puberty.
Today, experts recognize that while ADHD characteristicschange as people age, it is a lifelong form of neurodivergence.
In these cases, it is extremely important to treat both disorders.
However, doing so requires skill and patience.
Research also suggests that co-occurring OCD and ADHD is associated with an earlier onset of OCD symptoms.
Prescribers often treat the symptoms that are causing the most problems first.
When both conditions are present, researchers recommend treating OCD first before addressing ADHD.
However, stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can exacerbateOCD symptomswith very serious outcomes.
Treatment for both OCD and ADHD typically includes medication management,therapy, and self-help.
The two conditions also share some overlapping characteristics, which can sometimes make diagnosis more challenging.
If you suspect you have OCD, ADHD, or both, talk to your doctor for further evaluation.
Your healthcare provider can assess your symptoms, make a diagnosis, and recommend treatments that can help.
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