How OCD and ADHD Overlap
Both conditions involve difficulty disengaging attention — in OCD it gets stuck on intrusive thoughts and compulsions; in ADHD it gets stuck on high-interest stimuli. Both produce significant anxiety. Careful differential diagnosis is essential before treatment.
When They Co-occur
OCD and ADHD co-occur at higher rates than chance — estimated at 15–20% in clinical populations. ADHD impulsivity can drive compulsive behaviours, while OCD rigidity can interfere with the flexible executive functioning that ADHD treatment aims to build.
Evidence-Based Treatment
The gold standard for OCD is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). When ADHD co-occurs, ERP must be modified to account for ADHD-related attention and impulsivity. Dr. Goyal provides assessment and ERP-based treatment for OCD with specific expertise in combined presentations.
Want to talk to someone who understands?
Dr. Sneha Goyal provides specialist assessment and therapy for OCD and ADHD at Enable Workplace Consulting, 156 Collins Street Melbourne CBD. Medicare rebates available.
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