224 Can OCD Overlap With ADHD? with Guest Expert Kimberley Quinlan
Aug 15, 2023
52:32
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Guest expert Kimberley Quinlan, licensed marriage and family therapist, specializes in anxiety, OCD and related disorders. They discuss the overlap between OCD and ADHD, the challenges of differentiating between the two, and the importance of validation and reassurance. The podcast covers topics such as the overlap between OCD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, treatment for OCD, differences between normal behaviors and OCD compulsions, treating OCD in adults, treatment duration for adult patients with OCD, and the accessibility of OCD treatment.
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Quick takeaways
Validation and reassurance are crucial when dealing with overlapping neurodivergent diagnoses like OCD and ADHD.
The most effective treatment for OCD involves a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), specifically Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and medication.
Deep dives
Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by repetitive and distressing obsessions. These obsessions are intrusive thoughts, feelings, sensations, urges, or images. It is important to note that OCD is not just quirks or perfectionism, but a serious disorder that causes emotional distress. The other component of OCD is compulsions, which are behaviors done to reduce or remove the discomfort caused by the obsessions. Compulsions can be physical or mental and often involve avoiding or seeking reassurance. OCD can significantly impact a person's life, causing distress, interfering with daily functioning, and taking a toll on relationships and overall well-being.
Diagnosing OCD and Identifying Symptoms
To diagnose OCD, clinicians look for unwanted, repetitive, and distressing obsessions. Obsessions should be ego-dystonic, meaning they don't align with a person's values. Compulsions, on the other hand, are behaviors performed to relieve the discomfort caused by the obsessions. They can be physical, mental, or verbal. It's important to note that obsessions and compulsions tend to be distressing, impacting emotions, relationships, and overall functioning. OCD can present differently in individuals, with various subtypes such as health anxiety, relationship obsessions, religious obsessions, etc., depending on the person's experiences and age.
Treatment Approaches for OCD
The most effective treatment for OCD is a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), specifically Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and medication. ERP involves exposing individuals to their obsessions in a controlled way while preventing them from engaging in their usual compulsive behaviors. This process helps individuals learn to tolerate the discomfort and reduce the power of obsessions. Depending on the severity and individual needs, treatment duration can vary, but significant progress can often be made in three to four months. Alongside ERP, other therapeutic modalities like acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, and self-compassion can be beneficial in addressing the whole person's needs.
Long-Term Outlook and Medication for OCD
The long-term outlook for OCD depends on the individual and their unique circumstances. Some individuals may choose to stay on medication long-term as it provides relief and supports their overall well-being. Others may choose to taper off medication after significant progress and learn coping skills to manage symptoms. The decision is personal and should be made collaboratively with a medical professional. It's also important to note that OCD often co-occurs with other disorders such as depression, requiring a comprehensive treatment approach that considers all relevant factors. The International OCD Foundation provides resources and information about OCD and providers in different locations.
I’m very pleased to be joined by Kimberley Quinlan in this episode. Kimberley is a licensed marriage and family therapist, specializing in anxiety, OCD and related disorders. Some of you with ADHD can identify with having additional neurodivergent diagnoses, such as OCD, and you may have experienced some confusion in differentiating between the two.
As children, it was hard enough being diagnosed with ADHD and having a full understanding of what it meant for ourselves and for our parents. Now add in other disorders, and you can imagine how difficult and frustrating it can be for those who have been misdiagnosed, misunderstood and overlooked.
I myself have a child who’s been diagnosed with OCD and ADHD, with the former likely causing the latter. I’m grateful to Kimberley for allowing me to share a bit of my own regrets as a parent coming to a good place of understanding my child in order to get him the support he needed.
There are so many great takeaways from this episode. But the biggest ones I’m walking away with are that validation and reassurance are everything. If you’ve been considering an evaluation for yourself or a loved one, please look into it. It’s a vulnerable process, but intaking the right information can be so powerful.
You can find Kimberley at kimberleyquinlan-lmft.com. If you are looking for some support as an adult with ADHD, come join my group coaching program FOCUSED, where we lift each other up and learn from our collective neurodivergent journeys.