Anxiety vs OCD: What’s the Difference?
Have you ever wondered, “is OCD an anxiety disorder?” It’s a common question due to how anxiety producing OCD can be. It might actually feel like you can’t have one without the other. Continue reading to learn more about the similarities and differences between anxiety and OCD and the treatments for each!
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is an emotion. All humans have anxiety and it is normal and natural. If a grizzly bear approaches you, it’s normal to feel anxious. Anxiety tells us that something might be wrong. It gives us the cue that there could be danger and we need to assess the situation. Anxiety is a very broad term for worry or fear. Typically this worry or fear is associated with physical sensations in the body including a racing heart, sweating, and muscle tension. When anxiety becomes disproportionate to the situation, distressing and interferes with someone’s life, it moves from a normal part of life to a disorder. There are many types of anxiety disorders including, but not limited to, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Social Anxiety Disorder.
What is OCD?
OCD stands for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, which is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that an individual feels compelled to do. Obsessions and compulsions are not choices and are very distressing. Obsessions can be in the form of thoughts, images, or impulses. Compulsions are behaviors or mental acts that develop in response to the obsessions and are intended to reduce the distress or prevent something bad from happening.
Similarities between anxiety and OCD:
Anxiety as a core feature: Both disorders are characterized by excessive, persistent, and irrational fear or anxiety.
Impact on daily functioning: OCD and anxiety disorders can interfere with work, school, relationships, and other aspects of daily living.
Chronicity: As with most disorders, OCD and anxiety will wax and wane in symptoms over time. If left untreated, they don’t typically improve on their own. Both are best treated with medication and psychotherapy.
Overlapping Symptoms: Both disorders can share symptoms including restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, and physical symptoms.
Differences between anxiety and OCD:
Focus of Symptoms: An anxiety disorder is an excessive fear or worry about specific situations, objects, or events. In contrast, OCD is characterized by obsessions and compulsions performed to alleviate the anxiety caused by the obsessions.
Degree of Impairment: Although this is not true for everyone with OCD, evidence shows that OCD is often associated with a higher degree of impairment compared to anxiety disorders. OCD can significantly disrupt someone’s life due to how time-consuming the obsessions and compulsions are.
Treatment Approaches: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication (such as SSRIs) are commonly used in the treatment of both anxiety disorders and OCD but the specific treatment approaches may differ. ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) therapy which is a specialized form of CBT is considered the most efficacious treatment for OCD.
Co-Occurrence: While OCD and anxiety disorders can co-occur, individuals with OCD are more likely to also experience symptoms of anxiety disorders rather than the other way around.
OCD and Anxiety Treatment:
There is not a one size fits all treatment for OCD and anxiety. If you ask 100 different professionals, you will get 100 different answers. Most commonly though, research has shown that Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is one of the most effective treatments for OCD. For anxiety disorders, the most effective treatments include cognitive therapy (CBT, DBT, exposure therapy) or somatic therapy (Somatic Experiencing, EMDR). Medication can also be an important part of the treatment component.
Both anxiety disorders and OCD are treatable and the earlier you diagnose and treat them, the better you will feel. If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of anxiety or OCD, there is hope! At Embodied Wellness, PLLC we have specialists in OCD and anxiety who can help diagnose and treat these conditions. Schedule a free 15 minute consultation to learn more about our services.