Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are different mental health conditions. OCD involves obsessive thoughts, while ADHD makes focusing hard and involves hyperactivity and impulsivity.
People with OCD tend to have obsessive thoughts, which they try to prevent by engaging in repetitive rituals or compulsions. In contrast, a person with ADHD typically presents with excessive hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty focusing on one task at a time.
Both conditions may require treatment to improve an individual’s quality of life. The treatment may involve medications, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or behavior management.
ADHD
ADHD is an externalizing disorder that affects how individuals outwardly relate to their environment. It can present with either inattention or hyperactivity and impulsivity.
People with ADHD may have varying symptoms that do not fit neatly into each category. They may also experience symptoms of both hyperactivity and inattentiveness.
Not everyone with ADHD experiences all potential symptoms. Moreover, ADHD may present differently in females and adults.
Symptoms of inattention include:
- becoming easily distracted and having difficulty holding attention
- being unable to finish tasks due to a loss of focus
- having difficulty with organization and time management
- avoiding tasks that require a prolonged mental effort
- appearing not to listen when others are speaking
- often losing everyday items
- making “careless” mistakes and being unable to pay attention to detail
- being forgetful
Symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity include:
- fidgeting and seeming unable to remain still
- finding it difficult to take turns in activities and conversations
- speaking and making noises excessively
- having difficulty being patient
While ADHD comes with many challenges, there are also several potential benefits to having the condition.
OCD
OCD is an internalizing disorder, meaning people respond to anxiety by turning inward.
Like ADHD, OCD can also present in two ways: obsessions and compulsions. People with OCD can have symptoms of obsessions, compulsions, or both.
The symptoms of obsessions include distressing, intrusive, or unwanted thoughts, such as:
- fear of misplacing something
- intense focus on exactness
- unwanted thoughts about religion or sex
- fear of germs or contamination
- fear of causing oneself or others harm
- thoughts involving violence toward oneself or others
Symptoms of compulsions include repetitive patterned behaviors people do in response to anxiety, such as:
- arranging and ordering things in a particular way
- excessively cleaning oneself or their environment
- compulsively counting
- repeatedly checking appliances, taps, and alarms, for example, for fear of damage or accidents (magical thinking)
- repeating phrases or numbers, either out loud or in the mind
- checking feelings or bodily sensations
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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) share some overlapping symptoms, and they can have similar effects on how people function at school and on the job.
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