If you’re raising a child with both ADHD and OCD, you already know parenting is not for the faint of heart! The unique mix of impulsivity and attention challenges from ADHD paired with the relentless, anxiety-provoking thoughts of OCD can be overwhelming.

OCD and ADHD are distinct yet often co-occurring disorders, sharing certain symptoms and behaviors but stemming from opposite underlying causes. This overlap can make diagnosis and treatment challenging for those managing both conditions. This comorbidity creates a complex interplay of symptoms, with ADHD’s impulsivity and inattention intensifying OCD’s rigid compulsions and intrusive thoughts, often complicating diagnosis and treatment.

Parenting children with mental health conditions like OCD and ADHD means you need to put your detective hat on and understand what these conditions really are, what are its root causes and triggers. Understanding the connection between these two condition is key to the proper treatment.

Co-occurring OCD Symptoms and ADHD 

OCD and ADHD are distinct mental health conditions. They are two very different disorders, each with its own characteristics and diagnostic criteria. However, some similarities overlaps between these conditions can sometimes lead to confusion or misdiagnosis. ADHD is linked to dopaminergic genes, while OCD involves serotonergic genes. Both are heritable, and studies show individuals with ADHD are more likely to have a family member with OCD.

Co-occurring ADHD often appears with other conditions like anxiety, OCD, or autism, creating additional challenges in managing symptoms. It’s not uncommon for a child to have OCD and ADHD together or simultaneously. This co-occurrence can complicate diagnosis and treatment because the symptoms of one condition can sometimes mimic the signs of the other (Cabarkapa et al., 2019). 

I remember a middleschooler and her parent who came to me in my Ridgefield, CT Clinic. Emma’s ADHD made it difficult for her to stay focused on her homework, causing her to jump from one task to another. At the same time, her OCD drove her to obsess over every word she wrote, feeling compelled to erase and rewrite sentences until they were “just right.” This overlap of inattention and perfectionism created a cycle where she couldn’t move forward, leaving her stuck and overwhelmed.

ADHD-OCD comorbidity presents unique challenges. In such cases, a thorough assessment by mental health professionals is crucial to make a correct diagnosis between these two different disorders. Recognizing the similar symptoms of these two mental health conditions is essential for effective management.

Overlapping Symptoms of ADHD and OCD

The ADHD-OCD overlap is common than many realize. Studies have shown that both OCD and ADHD are associated with alterations in brain activity, particularly in regions related to attention, impulse control, and emotional processing. However, the specific patterns of brain wave activity and the areas affected can differ between the two conditions. These differences can be seen on a QEEG Brain Map, a diagnostic tool that can give a more accurate ADHD and OCD diagnosis. 

Here are common overlapping ADHD and OCD symptoms:

Inattention and Impulsivity

OCD and ADHD can involve difficulties with attention and impulse control, although the nature of these difficulties is different. In ADHD, individuals often struggle with sustaining attention, staying organized, and controlling impulsive behavior. In OCD, individuals may have intrusive and obsessive thoughts that are difficult to ignore, leading to compulsive behaviors as an attempt to alleviate anxiety. It’s important to recognize that OCD and ADHD affect not just one part of the brain, but a complex interplay of attention and executive functions. 

Poor Executive Functioning 

Executive functions are cognitive processes that help us plan, organize, initiate tasks, shift between activities, and self control. Deficits in executive function can be seen in both ADHD and OCD. In ADHD, these deficits are a core part of the diagnosis, while in OCD, they can manifest as difficulties in breaking the cycle of obsessions and compulsions.

Stress and Anxiety

Children with ADHD and OCD tend to experience heightened stress and anxiety disorders. In ADHD, this can be due to the challenges of managing daily tasks and responsibilities. In OCD, it’s typically a result of the distress caused by obsessive and intrusive thoughts.

Hyperactivity

Organized hyperactivity channels excess energy into structured activities, helping individuals with ADHD stay focused, productive, and balanced while managing impulsivity. On the other hand, OCD hyperactivity can manifest as excessive mental or physical activity driven by obsessive thoughts, such as repeated checking or organizing, which may resemble hyperactive behaviors.

How ADHD Symptoms Interact with OCD

When ADHD and OCD coexist, their combined symptoms create unique challenges that alter each condition’s presentation.

• Obsessive Thinking
  ADHD’s focus issues can clash with OCD’s fixation on intrusive thoughts, creating a frustrating cycle of hyper-focus on obsessions and distractibility on other tasks.
• Impulsivity / ADHD Compulsive Behaviors
  ADHD-driven impulsivity can amplify OCD’s compulsions, leading to quick, repetitive actions (like checking or hand-washing) without pause, increasing anxiety and compulsive frequency.
• Task Completion Struggles
  ADHD makes it hard to start and finish tasks due to lack of focus, while OCD leads to excessive time on tasks through rituals or perfectionism, prolonging daily activities.
• Executive Function and Emotional Regulation
  ADHD’s organizational and emotional regulation challenges complicate OCD’s need for control, amplifying stress and emotional reactions to obsessions and compulsions.

A Holistic Approach: How to Treat ADHD and OCD at the Same Time

It is one of my core beliefs that OCD and ADHD medication should never be the first line treatment. In most cases, stimulant medications have side effects and can make OCD or ADHD symptoms worse. Holistic treatments encompass various strategies, aiming to nurture mental health conditions in a more natural and balanced way. Treating OCD and ADHD can be possible with natural therapies and can be an effective treatment.

Here are some of the most effective natural solutions to OCD and ADHD:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a highly effective therapeutic approach for individuals dealing with OCD and ADHD. In the case of OCD, CBT often involves Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). 

ERP helps individuals confront their obsessive thoughts and gradually reduce the compulsive behaviors that follow. Through cognitive restructuring, OCD patients can gain new perspectives on their obsessions, reducing anxiety and improving their ability to manage unwanted thoughts.

For ADHD, CBT techniques like psychoeducation, time management, and goal-setting assist children in improving attention, impulsivity, and organization skills. CBT equips ADHD kids and teens with practical strategies to cope to reduce symptoms, fostering a better quality of life, and can be a cornerstone in the treatment of both OCD and ADHD (Guzick et al., 2017). Family therapy plays a crucial role in helping families comprehend the nature of the condition and develop strategies to provide effective support.

Mindfulness and Meditation 

Mindfulness and meditation have proven to be invaluable tools in the effective treatment of OCD and ADHD. These practices help individuals, including people with OCD, become more aware of their obsessive thoughts and compulsions. When managing ADHD, mindfulness cultivates focus and emotional regulation, addressing those persistent thoughts head-on.

Nutrition and Diet 

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in managing OCD and ADHD symptoms. It’s not just about what you eat. It’s about fueling your brain. Incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and whole grains can provide a stable source of energy for children with ADHD and obsessive behavior help alleviate some of the obsessions and repetitive behaviors common in OCD. Magnesium supplementation can greatly help too. 

Exercise and Physical Activities

Physical activity is more than a means to burn off excess energy. It’s a natural mood enhancer and a powerful way to manage mental health disorders. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms and improve overall well-being. It’s like giving your brain a workout.

Neurofeedback 

Treating ADHD and OCD, a type of neurodevelopmental disorder, starts with a calm brain and a regulated nervous system. This can be addressed and done with neurofeedback. By monitoring and providing real-time feedback on brainwave patterns, neurofeedback helps individuals recognize and regulate their brain activity, improving self-regulation and reducing symptoms associated with OCD (Hammond, 2003). 

Let me tell you the story of Jake, who joined our BrainBehaviorReset™ program. Jake’s ADHD made him highly sensitive to sensory input, especially bright lights, leaving him overstimulated and irritable. His OCD tendencies added another layer—he constantly adjusted the lighting, fiddling with switches or putting on shades until it felt “just right.” Through a personalized treatment care, we gave him tools to regulate his brain including Neuroefeedback, ERP, PEMF, sensory regulation strategies, coping skills, mindfulness, and structured routines. Jake learned to manage both his sensory overload and compulsive need for control, creating a calmer, more focused daily life.

Finding the Right Approach for Your Child

In the domain of mental health treatment, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Tradition stimulant treatment have their place, but they often come with a list of unwanted side effects. Holistic approaches to treat OCD and ADHD offer a ray of hope for those seeking a more natural, comprehensive path to mental health.

So, as you take on this journey, remember that it’s about nurturing the whole person—mind, body, and soul. Obsessive thoughts and attention deficits may seem overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can find the balance and harmony you and your child deserve. There is hope!Parent Action Steps

• Educate yourself about OCD and ADHD.
• Consult a qualified healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. 
• Explore appropriate treatment and therapy options
• Establish a structured daily routine with consistent schedules.
• Offer emotional support, encouragement, and open communication
• Foster independence by teaching self-management and coping skills. 
• Actively participate in the therapy.
• Establish a home environment that minimizes distractions for children with ADHD. 
• Encourage a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep.
• Consider joining support groups or organizations dedicated to kids’ mental health. 
• Be patient with your child.
• Recognize and celebrate your child’s accomplishments.
• Be a strong advocate for your child’s needs at school and in the community. 
• Understand the side effects of stimulant medication
• Find natural solutions to treat ADHD and OCD that fit your child’s needs.
• Take the Solutions Matcher to explore natural treatment options for ADHD and OCD.