OCD Comorbidity: Understanding the Most Common Co-occurring Disorders

What Is Comorbidity & How Does It Relate to OCD?

A comorbid condition is when an individual has at least two mental health disorders at the same time. In some cases, they interact with each other, while in some cases, they stay independent of each other. Research shows that 90% of people with OCD have the criteria for at least one other mental health condition in their lifetime. Some such cases are mood disorders, impulse control disorders, and substance abuse disorders. 

Most Common Comorbid Disorders with OCD

OCD is seen to have quite a few co-morbid disorders. They might occur alongside OCD, before or after OCD. The most common ones are as follows:

Major Depressive Disorder with OCD

It is a mood disorder characterized by sadness, low energy, low self-esteem and confidence, insomnia, and difficulty in concentration. Depression is one of the most common disorders seen to occur with OCD. It might occur along with OCD, or it can result as an effect of OCD. There is a 41% chance of developing this disorder along with OCD.

Anxiety Disorders with OCD

Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive fear and worry and have a high chance of occurring with OCD. Anxiety disorders like Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Social Anxiety Disorder show signs of excessive fear as well as behavioral disturbances. There is a 76% chance of developing this disorder along with OCD.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) with OCD

It is a disorder where one is preoccupied with one’s perceived flaws of their body (e.g., skin, face, and nose). However, these flaws in question either do not exist or exist but in a slight way to others, but individuals with BDD see themselves as ugly and often are obsessed with their perceived defect. They would perform excessive repetitive behaviors as a result of their preoccupations with their defects, such as excessive grooming and checking their perceived deficits in mirrors.  

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) with OCD

Even though this disorder does sound similar to OCD, its clinical manifestations are quite different. An individual could develop an OCPD if there is a marked disturbance in early childhood. OCPD is characterized by a pervasive maladaptive pattern of excessive perfectionism and rigid control.

Psychotic Disorders with OCD

The disorder is marked by poor insight and delusions, also significantly seen in Magical Intrusive Thoughts, a type of OCD. A psychotic disorder also may show obsessions and compulsions in response to delusions and hallucinations. It might occur along with OCD, or it can result as an effect of OCD. There is a 12% chance of developing this disorder along with OCD.

Tic Disorders with OCD

Someone with a tic disorder will have an urge to make a sound or a movement that satisfies the anxiety by making that particular tic sound or movement. In some cases, these tics can become a part of their obsessive-compulsive behavior, where they feel compelled to perform these tics because they get obsessive thoughts about it. 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder with OCD

It is seen that the majority of the people who suffer from major trauma in the form of PTSD  also have OCD. They can develop both of these as a result of the traumatic incident. They experience intrusive thoughts, avoid specific triggers, and face anxiety when confronted with the triggers. 

Impact of Comorbid Disorders on OCD Treatment

Having any comorbid factor can hamper the treatment for OCD, which is why it is necessary to get a good diagnosis so that one may be able to correctly deal with both of the conditions at hand. 

Treatment Resistance

In some cases, the treatment of one of the conditions may hamper the treatment of the other. Usually, treatment for OCD involves psychotherapy and medication in some form, but the right diagnosis is essential—for both. 

The Challenge of Differential Diagnosis

There are often difficulties in distinguishing between symptoms of OCD and those of comorbid disorders, which can impact the accuracy of diagnosis and effectiveness of treatment. Disorders such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD oftentimes present with similar symptoms but are obviously not the same and require different care and treatment.

Medication Interactions and Side Effects

There are several complexities of pharmacological treatment when managing multiple disorders, including potential drug interactions and compounded side effects. Since the effects and side effects are going to be different for the two conditions, it is best to consider all the outcomes carefully. 

Psychotherapy Approaches to Adapt Complex Needs

One’s psychotherapeutic approaches need to be adapted or combined to effectively address the overlapping and distinct aspects of OCD and its comorbid disorders. Otherwise, this can end up being more counterproductive than productive.

Role of Addressing Comorbid Disorders Timely in OCD Management

It is very important to identify and treat comorbid disorders alongside OCD since this will then allow both conditions to get treatment at the same time. If one remains undiagnosed, it hampers the effectiveness of the other and causes comorbid symptoms of the other to appear. 

Integrative Treatment Strategies for Managing OCD with Comorbidities

Things that are usually prescribed to manage OCD with comorbidities are treatment approaches, therapy options, and lifestyle changes.

Cognitive-behavioral Therapy

It is used to reframe and identify cognitive distortions, and further break down tasks into smaller steps so that they don’t seem overwhelming. It can be useful to create ways to be more organised and keep strategies to deal with the condition in mind as well. 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

This is used to talk through circumstances when people experience intense emotions. DBT focuses on helping people accept the reality of their lives and their behaviours, as well as helping them learn to change their lives, including their unhelpful behaviours. 

Lifestyle Modifications

Certain lifestyle modifications can help with keeping the symptoms in check. Eating a balanced meal with all the food groups, avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and foods with high sugar, exercising, sleeping adequately, thinking positively, and stress management can go a long way in helping OCD and other comorbid factors to slow down. 

Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Techniques

Stress and anxiety add on top of the comorbid conditions of OCD, which is why it is necessary to know how to practice relaxation techniques that help reduce the response to them. This allows one to build up one’s resilience and help cope with stress better. 

Regular Monitoring and Treatment Adjustment

One needs to monitor the progress and keep track of how the treatment is working for them. If things aren’t working, then the doctor concerned should be told about it, so that the treatment can be changed accordingly. 

Towards a Holistic Approach in Treating OCD and Associated Disorders

It is essential to detect co-morbid disorders as they would make the treatment more effective. Once it is, the therapist will know how to go about the treatment. Both of the comorbid factors should be addressed for better and more effective treatment. 

If you are searching for a solution to your problem, Cadabam’s Rehabilitation Centre can help you with its team of specialized experts. We have been helping thousands of people live healthier and happier lives for 30+ years. We leverage evidence-based approaches and holistic treatment methods to help individuals effectively manage their OCD Comorbidity. Get in touch with us today. You can call us at +91 96111 94949.

FAQs

1. What is OCD commonly associated with?

Many people who have OCD may have other comorbid factors attached to it. This adds another layer of challenges to their already burdened mental health. The more common ones are anxiety and depression, but they may also include body dysmorphic disorder, autism, eating disorders, PTSD, and ADHD.

2. What are the highest comorbidity rates for an individual with OCD are seen with?

The most commonly comorbid conditions with OC are seen to be depression, which is more than half. Other anxiety disorders, which is one quarter, and personality disorders, which is more than 10%. 

3. Is OCD a comorbidity of ADHD?

Yes, they both can co-exist, and in a lot of cases, they do. They share inattention, impulsivity, and executive functioning. A good mental health professional will be able to guide you on whether or not you have a comorbid disorder.