866-548-1240

Anxiety is one of the most common mental illnesses, along with depression. But people with anxiety can also have other mental illnesses, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

While having both anxiety and OCD is relatively rare, even when they don’t occur simultaneously, people with OCD are highly likely to develop anxiety-like symptoms as a response to their obsessions and compulsions.

This article explores the link between OCD and anxiety, exploring light on their overlapping symptoms, differences, and strategies for managing them effectively.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental illnesses that involve persistent and excessive worry about everyday situations. Anxiety often encompasses broad fears, such as financial concerns, health, or relationships, and manifests as an ongoing state of fear or dread.

The anxiety disorders are generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), specific phobia, social phobia, agoraphobia, and panic disorder.

What is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is also a group of disorders, but obsessions and compulsions characterize them. Obsessions are intrusive and unwanted thoughts. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce the anxiety caused by these obsessions.

Common examples include excessive hand washing, checking locks, and reviewing situations to ensure no mistakes were made. 

OCD disorders include body dysmorphic disorder, hoarding disorder, trichotillomania, and excoriation disorder.

How Are OCD and Anxiety Connected?

OCD and anxiety are mental illnesses with a history of being considered part of the same category of mental illness: “anxiety disorders.” However, in 2013, the DSM-5 separated them into two categories: “anxiety disorders” and “obsessive-compulsive and related disorders.”

There’s still debate about whether they should be in the same category. Regardless of categorization, there are significant links between these two conditions.

Symptoms

Although distinct, people with OCD or anxiety can experience similar symptoms, including:

  • Intrusive thoughts or excessive worry.
  • Difficulty focusing due to preoccupation with fears.
  • Fear of harm or making mistakes.
  • Avoiding the situations they fear.
  • Repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing distress.
  • Physical symptoms include a racing heart, sweating, muscle tension, and restlessness.

Causes

OCD and anxiety have varied causes, but they can each be the result of past experiences like traumatic childhoods.

In addition to past traumatic experiences, OCD may be caused by abuse, bullying, having parents with OCD, extreme personality traits, and genetic predispositions for OCD. Prolonged stress or illness and medication side effects may also cause acute anxiety.

Co-Occurrence 

People with OCD are highly likely to also experience anxiety, with long-term data indicating that those with OCD have an up to 56% chance of experiencing an anxiety disorder throughout their life. On the other hand, people with anxiety can also have OCD but are less likely to since OCD is rarer and more severe.

Treatment for OCD and Anxiety

OCD and anxiety can be treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

Treatment for Anxiety

Anxiety treatment combines psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective psychotherapies for anxiety. It helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns contributing to their anxiety symptoms.

For severe cases, exposure therapy can also gradually desensitize individuals to their triggers to reduce anxious responses.

Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can effectively regulate brain chemistry and reduce anxiety symptoms. In some cases, benzodiazepines are prescribed for short-term relief, though they require careful monitoring.

Finally, lifestyle changes like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can complement treatment by promoting overall well-being.

Treatment for OCD

OCD also requires a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments.

Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is a type of CBT that’s very effective for OCD. It involves gradual exposure to obsessive fears while resisting compulsive behaviors to help reduce the need to perform them over time.

Additionally, medications like serotonin reuptake inhibitors are also effective. They are usually used for depression, but they can also help manage symptoms of OCD.

Finally, like with anxiety, lifestyle changes like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can help support treatment.

Treatment for Co-Occurring OCD and Anxiety

The International OCD Foundation indicates that the following psychotherapies are effective for treating people who have both OCD and an anxiety disorder:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). As mentioned before, it is highly effective for both anxiety and OCD. It helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns contributing to anxiety or obsessions.
  • Exposure therapy gradually exposes individuals to their fears or triggers in a controlled environment to reduce their responses.
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT focuses on accepting intrusive thoughts and anxious feelings without judgment while committing to meaningful actions aligned with personal values.

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek professional help for mental illness when:

  • Symptoms disrupt your daily life or relationships.
  • Obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors bring you severe distress.
  • Your coping strategies are not effective in managing symptoms.

Consulting a mental health professional about these symptoms ensures a customized treatment plan that addresses either or both conditions.

It’s Possible to Manage OCD and Anxiety

OCD and anxiety can feel overwhelming, but effective treatments are available to help manage both. By understanding their connection, receiving the right medication support, and going through specialized psychotherapy for either or both conditions, you’ll manage symptoms and have a healthier life.

If you or a loved one are struggling with OCD, anxiety, or both, we encourage you to seek providers near your location with our Find a Provider feature. It will help you access comprehensive resources and support tailored to your needs.