Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsADHDOCDSimilaritiesDifferencesTreatmentOutlookCo-Occurance
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
ADHD
OCD
Similarities
Differences
Treatment
Outlook
Co-Occurance
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are both conditions that can make it difficult for people to pay attention, hindering the ability to function at school or work.
ADHD and OCD affect similar parts of the brain: Both conditions may cause a person to take a long time to get things done, or they may cause difficulty in relationships with others. However, there are also key differences between the two conditions. For example, people with ADHD tend to be impulsive, while people with OCD are more likely to avoid risk-taking behavior. ADHD is also much more common, especially in children.In some people, symptoms of OCD can overlap with the symptoms of ADHD. Here’s what you should know about ADHD, OCD, and whether the conditions can occur together.
Verywell / Danie Drankwalter
Symptoms of OCD vs. ADHD
Impulsive behavior is another key symptom of ADHD; people with OCD also behave impulsively when they engage in the repetitive behaviors that are a hallmark symptom of their condition. However, the reasons for this behavior are very different than the reasons why people with ADHD behave impulsively.
OCD Symptoms
ADHD Symptoms
Is rumination ADHD or OCD?Rumination is when you dwell on negative thoughts in an obsessive or unhealthy way. It is a feature of both ADHD and OCD.
Is rumination ADHD or OCD?
Rumination is when you dwell on negative thoughts in an obsessive or unhealthy way. It is a feature of both ADHD and OCD.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
The symptoms usually fall into these three categories:
These can present as common symptoms, including:
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD) is a chronic mental health illness in which intrusive, recurring thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) are repeated over and over again, to the point that they interfere with a person’s functioning.
OCD occurs in 2.3% of people. Although it’s most often diagnosed in adulthood, research indicates that OCD can occur in a small percentage of children as well.OCD revolves around two primary categories of symptoms:
These core symptoms can manifest in commonsymptoms of OCD, including:
OCD and ADHD Similarities
At first glance, OCD and ADHD appear to be very different. However, they have several commonalities, which can make it difficult to get a proper diagnosis.
Affected Regions of the Brain
People with OCD and patients with ADHD both experience abnormalities in the brain’sfrontostriatal circuits, the neural pathways that connect the frontal lobes of the brain with the ganglia.
A 2020 study found that ADHD was associated with a reduced brain volume in these areas.A 2017 study found that people with OCD had functionally abnormal connections in the frontostriatal circuits compared to healthy individuals.
Potential for Interfering With School and Work
Because of these difficulties regulating attention, people with OCD and ADHD often struggle to reach their full potential at school and work. This is not due to their cognitive abilities, but due to the symptoms of their disorder.
Relationships With Others
ADHD and OCD both can complicate relationships with others. Symptoms of ADHD, including lack of impulse control and insistent talking, can make friendships difficult for kids and adults. For people with OCD, the time that is dedicated to certain obsessions and compulsions can make relationships difficult, particularly if the obsessions they are experiencing are violent or sexual.
Development of Other Disorders
People with ADHD or OCD are at an increased risk for developing other disorders or health conditions, including:
Risk factors
OCD and ADHD share risk factors, including:
OCD and ADHD Differences
Although OCD and ADHD can have some similar effects on a person’s life, they are very different disorders. One distinguishing difference between OCD and ADHD is risk tolerance. People with OCD tend to avoid risk and strive to be in control, whereas people with ADHD tend to be impulsive.These opposite effects are seen in the brains of people with OCD and ADHD. People with OCD have more activity in the affected frontostriatal area, whereas people with ADHD have less.OCD is generally considered an internalizing disorder, which means that the symptoms cause internal stress. ADHD is often considered an externalizing disorder, which means that the symptoms impact how a person interacts with their environment.
Treating OCD vs. ADHD
Both OCD and ADHD are chronic conditions that can be treated with behavioral and medical interventions. The conditions are treated differently so it’s important to see your healthcare provider to ensure you get an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment for ADHDtypically includes behavioral modifications based on symptoms, therapy, and prescription medications. For children with ADHD, behavioral therapy may include classroom interventions, education for parents and teachers, and developing strategies for staying organized and completing tasks. Medications may be stimulant or non-stimulant, though stimulant drugs are used more often because they tend to be more effective.
For people with OCD, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be an effective way to help a person understand their behavior and develop strategies for coping with obsessive thoughts and compulsions. People with OCD may also be prescribed antidepressants or other medication to help alleviate symptoms.
What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Outlook for OCD vs. ADHD
Some children with ADHD may outgrow their symptoms over time, but for many people, ADHD is a lifelong condition. Similarly, a child with OCD may outgrow their symptoms, however, OCD can also be a lifelong condition.
Fortunately, both ADHD and OCD are manageable conditions. With the right treatment and support, most people with these conditions can go on to lead normal, productive lives.
Can OCD and ADHD Co-Occur?
A person can have OCD and ADHD at the same time. One study found that around 12% of those with OCD also have ADHD. The incidence is even higher in children with OCD; around 25.5% of pediatric OCD patients also have ADHD.
However, because some people with OCD have symptoms—like inattention—that might be misdiagnosed as ADHD, a 2017 study recommended that healthcare providers treat OCD first, then address symptoms of ADHD in individuals who present with symptoms of both conditions.
If you suspect that you or a loved one is dealing with both ADHD and OCD, talk with a trusted healthcare professional who is experienced in treating co-occurring mental health disorders. Research in this area is constantly changing, as are treatment recommendations. Your healthcare provider will help develop a plan that is specific to you.
Summary
ADHD and OCD are two different conditions that can present with some similarities. Both may trigger an inability to focus or sit still or trouble getting along with others. However, there are key differences, including how each condition affects brain activity and how their symptoms and behaviors present. It’s important to see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Library of Medicine.Obsessive-compulsive disorder.National Library of Medicine.Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Kandeğer A, Odabaş Ünal Ş, Ergün MT, Yavuz Ataşlar E.Excessive mind wandering, rumination, and mindfulness mediate the relationship between ADHD symptoms and anxiety and depression in adults with ADHD.Clin Psychol Psychother. 2023. doi:10.1002/cpp.2940.Wang P, Cao W, Chen T, et al.Mediating role of rumination and negative affect in the effect of mind-wandering on symptoms in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:755159. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.755159National Institute of Mental Health.Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Nazeer A, Latif F, Mondal A, Azeem MW, Greydanus DE.Obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and adolescents: epidemiology, diagnosis and management.Transl Pediatr. 2020;9(Suppl 1):S76-S93. doi:10.21037/tp.2019.10.02National Institute of Mental Health.Obsessive-compulsive disorder.Norman LJ, Carlisi C, Lukito S, et al.Structural and functional brain abnormalities in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder: a comparative meta-analysis.JAMA Psychiatry.2016;73(8):815–825. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2016.0700Cupertino RB, Soheili-Nezhad S, Grevet EH, et al.Reduced fronto-striatal volume in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in two cohorts across the lifespan.NeuroImage: Clinical. 2020;28:102403. doi: 10.1016/j.nicl.2020.102403Vaghi MM, Vértes PE, Kitzbichler MG, et al.Specific frontostriatal circuits for impaired cognitive flexibility and goal-directed planning in obsessive-compulsive disorder: evidence from resting-state functional connectivity.Biological Psychiatry. 2017;81(8):708-717. dio: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.08.009.Nordahl H, Havnen A, Hansen B, Öst LG, Kvale G.Sleep disturbances in treatment-seeking OCD-patients: Changes after concentrated exposure treatment. Scand J Psychol. 2018 Apr;59(2):186-191. doi: 10.1111/sjop.12417.Kedem S, Yust-Katz S, Carter D, et al.Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and gastrointestinal morbidity in a large cohort of young adults.World J Gastroenterol. 2020;26(42):6626-6637. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i42.6626Turna J, Grosman Kaplan K, Patterson B, Bercik P, Anglin R, Soreni N, Van Ameringen M.Higher prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome and greater gastrointestinal symptoms in obsessive-compulsive disorder. J Psychiatr Res. 2019 Nov;118:1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.08.004.Çoban A, Tan O.Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, impulsivity, anxiety, and depression symptoms mediating the relationship between childhood trauma and symptoms severity of obsessive-compulsive disorder.Noro Psikiyatr Ars. 2019;57(1):37-43.Cabarkapa S, King JA, Dowling N, Ng CH.Co-morbid obsessive-compulsive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Neurobiological commonalities and treatment implications.Front Psychiatry. 2019;10:557. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00557Guzick AG, McNamara JPH, Reid AM, et al.The link between ADHD-like inattention and obsessions and compulsions during treatment of youth with OCD.J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord. 2017;12:1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jocrd.2016.11.004.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Library of Medicine.Obsessive-compulsive disorder.National Library of Medicine.Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Kandeğer A, Odabaş Ünal Ş, Ergün MT, Yavuz Ataşlar E.Excessive mind wandering, rumination, and mindfulness mediate the relationship between ADHD symptoms and anxiety and depression in adults with ADHD.Clin Psychol Psychother. 2023. doi:10.1002/cpp.2940.Wang P, Cao W, Chen T, et al.Mediating role of rumination and negative affect in the effect of mind-wandering on symptoms in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:755159. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.755159National Institute of Mental Health.Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Nazeer A, Latif F, Mondal A, Azeem MW, Greydanus DE.Obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and adolescents: epidemiology, diagnosis and management.Transl Pediatr. 2020;9(Suppl 1):S76-S93. doi:10.21037/tp.2019.10.02National Institute of Mental Health.Obsessive-compulsive disorder.Norman LJ, Carlisi C, Lukito S, et al.Structural and functional brain abnormalities in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder: a comparative meta-analysis.JAMA Psychiatry.2016;73(8):815–825. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2016.0700Cupertino RB, Soheili-Nezhad S, Grevet EH, et al.Reduced fronto-striatal volume in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in two cohorts across the lifespan.NeuroImage: Clinical. 2020;28:102403. doi: 10.1016/j.nicl.2020.102403Vaghi MM, Vértes PE, Kitzbichler MG, et al.Specific frontostriatal circuits for impaired cognitive flexibility and goal-directed planning in obsessive-compulsive disorder: evidence from resting-state functional connectivity.Biological Psychiatry. 2017;81(8):708-717. dio: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.08.009.Nordahl H, Havnen A, Hansen B, Öst LG, Kvale G.Sleep disturbances in treatment-seeking OCD-patients: Changes after concentrated exposure treatment. Scand J Psychol. 2018 Apr;59(2):186-191. doi: 10.1111/sjop.12417.Kedem S, Yust-Katz S, Carter D, et al.Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and gastrointestinal morbidity in a large cohort of young adults.World J Gastroenterol. 2020;26(42):6626-6637. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i42.6626Turna J, Grosman Kaplan K, Patterson B, Bercik P, Anglin R, Soreni N, Van Ameringen M.Higher prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome and greater gastrointestinal symptoms in obsessive-compulsive disorder. J Psychiatr Res. 2019 Nov;118:1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.08.004.Çoban A, Tan O.Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, impulsivity, anxiety, and depression symptoms mediating the relationship between childhood trauma and symptoms severity of obsessive-compulsive disorder.Noro Psikiyatr Ars. 2019;57(1):37-43.Cabarkapa S, King JA, Dowling N, Ng CH.Co-morbid obsessive-compulsive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Neurobiological commonalities and treatment implications.Front Psychiatry. 2019;10:557. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00557Guzick AG, McNamara JPH, Reid AM, et al.The link between ADHD-like inattention and obsessions and compulsions during treatment of youth with OCD.J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord. 2017;12:1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jocrd.2016.11.004.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Library of Medicine.Obsessive-compulsive disorder.National Library of Medicine.Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Kandeğer A, Odabaş Ünal Ş, Ergün MT, Yavuz Ataşlar E.Excessive mind wandering, rumination, and mindfulness mediate the relationship between ADHD symptoms and anxiety and depression in adults with ADHD.Clin Psychol Psychother. 2023. doi:10.1002/cpp.2940.Wang P, Cao W, Chen T, et al.Mediating role of rumination and negative affect in the effect of mind-wandering on symptoms in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:755159. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.755159National Institute of Mental Health.Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Nazeer A, Latif F, Mondal A, Azeem MW, Greydanus DE.Obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and adolescents: epidemiology, diagnosis and management.Transl Pediatr. 2020;9(Suppl 1):S76-S93. doi:10.21037/tp.2019.10.02National Institute of Mental Health.Obsessive-compulsive disorder.Norman LJ, Carlisi C, Lukito S, et al.Structural and functional brain abnormalities in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder: a comparative meta-analysis.JAMA Psychiatry.2016;73(8):815–825. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2016.0700Cupertino RB, Soheili-Nezhad S, Grevet EH, et al.Reduced fronto-striatal volume in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in two cohorts across the lifespan.NeuroImage: Clinical. 2020;28:102403. doi: 10.1016/j.nicl.2020.102403Vaghi MM, Vértes PE, Kitzbichler MG, et al.Specific frontostriatal circuits for impaired cognitive flexibility and goal-directed planning in obsessive-compulsive disorder: evidence from resting-state functional connectivity.Biological Psychiatry. 2017;81(8):708-717. dio: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.08.009.Nordahl H, Havnen A, Hansen B, Öst LG, Kvale G.Sleep disturbances in treatment-seeking OCD-patients: Changes after concentrated exposure treatment. Scand J Psychol. 2018 Apr;59(2):186-191. doi: 10.1111/sjop.12417.Kedem S, Yust-Katz S, Carter D, et al.Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and gastrointestinal morbidity in a large cohort of young adults.World J Gastroenterol. 2020;26(42):6626-6637. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i42.6626Turna J, Grosman Kaplan K, Patterson B, Bercik P, Anglin R, Soreni N, Van Ameringen M.Higher prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome and greater gastrointestinal symptoms in obsessive-compulsive disorder. J Psychiatr Res. 2019 Nov;118:1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.08.004.Çoban A, Tan O.Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, impulsivity, anxiety, and depression symptoms mediating the relationship between childhood trauma and symptoms severity of obsessive-compulsive disorder.Noro Psikiyatr Ars. 2019;57(1):37-43.Cabarkapa S, King JA, Dowling N, Ng CH.Co-morbid obsessive-compulsive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Neurobiological commonalities and treatment implications.Front Psychiatry. 2019;10:557. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00557Guzick AG, McNamara JPH, Reid AM, et al.The link between ADHD-like inattention and obsessions and compulsions during treatment of youth with OCD.J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord. 2017;12:1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jocrd.2016.11.004.
National Library of Medicine.Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
National Library of Medicine.Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Kandeğer A, Odabaş Ünal Ş, Ergün MT, Yavuz Ataşlar E.Excessive mind wandering, rumination, and mindfulness mediate the relationship between ADHD symptoms and anxiety and depression in adults with ADHD.Clin Psychol Psychother. 2023. doi:10.1002/cpp.2940.
Wang P, Cao W, Chen T, et al.Mediating role of rumination and negative affect in the effect of mind-wandering on symptoms in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:755159. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.755159
National Institute of Mental Health.Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Nazeer A, Latif F, Mondal A, Azeem MW, Greydanus DE.Obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and adolescents: epidemiology, diagnosis and management.Transl Pediatr. 2020;9(Suppl 1):S76-S93. doi:10.21037/tp.2019.10.02
National Institute of Mental Health.Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Norman LJ, Carlisi C, Lukito S, et al.Structural and functional brain abnormalities in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder: a comparative meta-analysis.JAMA Psychiatry.2016;73(8):815–825. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2016.0700
Cupertino RB, Soheili-Nezhad S, Grevet EH, et al.Reduced fronto-striatal volume in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in two cohorts across the lifespan.NeuroImage: Clinical. 2020;28:102403. doi: 10.1016/j.nicl.2020.102403
Vaghi MM, Vértes PE, Kitzbichler MG, et al.Specific frontostriatal circuits for impaired cognitive flexibility and goal-directed planning in obsessive-compulsive disorder: evidence from resting-state functional connectivity.Biological Psychiatry. 2017;81(8):708-717. dio: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.08.009.
Nordahl H, Havnen A, Hansen B, Öst LG, Kvale G.Sleep disturbances in treatment-seeking OCD-patients: Changes after concentrated exposure treatment. Scand J Psychol. 2018 Apr;59(2):186-191. doi: 10.1111/sjop.12417.
Kedem S, Yust-Katz S, Carter D, et al.Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and gastrointestinal morbidity in a large cohort of young adults.World J Gastroenterol. 2020;26(42):6626-6637. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i42.6626
Turna J, Grosman Kaplan K, Patterson B, Bercik P, Anglin R, Soreni N, Van Ameringen M.Higher prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome and greater gastrointestinal symptoms in obsessive-compulsive disorder. J Psychiatr Res. 2019 Nov;118:1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.08.004.
Çoban A, Tan O.Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, impulsivity, anxiety, and depression symptoms mediating the relationship between childhood trauma and symptoms severity of obsessive-compulsive disorder.Noro Psikiyatr Ars. 2019;57(1):37-43.
Cabarkapa S, King JA, Dowling N, Ng CH.Co-morbid obsessive-compulsive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Neurobiological commonalities and treatment implications.Front Psychiatry. 2019;10:557. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00557
Guzick AG, McNamara JPH, Reid AM, et al.The link between ADHD-like inattention and obsessions and compulsions during treatment of youth with OCD.J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord. 2017;12:1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jocrd.2016.11.004.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
