ADHD reWired 554 | OCD with ADHD: Could your anxiety be OCD? with Natalia Aíza
Jul 7, 2025
Natalia Aíza, a therapist and co-founder of Kairos Wellness Collective, dives into the often-misunderstood world of OCD, especially as it relates to ADHD. She explains how OCD can present in subtle ways, such as perfectionism and social media habits. The discussion highlights the differences between typical anxiety and OCD, debunks the stigma around intrusive thoughts, and shares valuable healing strategies like exposure response prevention. Aíza's insights encourage self-compassion and the importance of understanding one’s unique mental health journey.
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OCD Beyond Stereotypes
- OCD often manifests as fears related to worthiness, love, and safety rather than typical hand-washing or tapping stereotypes.
- Intense nostalgia, social media checking, and perfectionism can be subtle compulsions driven by OCD in people with ADHD.
OCD Revealed by ADHD Medication
- Natalia realized her OCD symptoms became pronounced after starting ADHD medication.
- She compulsively cleaned and organized intensely during medication effectiveness, revealing her OCD.
Identifying Compulsive Behaviors
- Evaluate if an action is compulsive by imagining being stopped from doing it.
- If stopping causes fury or horror, it points to OCD, not just normal caution.