Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure; it’s considered a future-oriented, long-acting response broadly focused on a diffuse threat.1 Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that’s characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions).2 OCD is generally considered an anxiety disorder due to the way these obsessions and/or compulsions can cause recurring disruptions and distress in daily life.
When the DSM IV was published with changes as the DSM-V, OCD was reclassified from the category of Anxiety Disorders to its own category: Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders.3 The fact that these disorders share obsessive–compulsive features and evidence similarities in patient characteristics, course, comorbidity, neurobiology, and treatment response raises the question of whether OCD is best conceptualized as an anxiety or an OC spectrum disorder.4 In particular, the similarities lie in symptoms of an anxiety disorder where control issues related to the self (behavior and thoughts) and world (the external environment) are particularly important.5
However, there are a wide variety of obsessive-compulsive related disorders that may share patient characteristics with OCD cognitively, but which are considered different disorders, and cannot be categorized as anxiety disorders6. As a result of investigating these obsessive-compulsive related it becomes increasingly prevalent that one must be diagnosed with the correct disorder for effective treatment, in order for cognitive treatment to become effective.
OCD symptoms can manifest or display in a variety of ways, and at first glance, may reflect anxiety. However, the compulsive behaviors tend to differentiate from anxiety in most cases.
AMFM is here to help you or your loved one take the next steps towards an improved mental well-being.
If you’re currently struggling with OCD, Anxiety, or comorbid Anxiety and OCD, you may benefit from different mental health programming, from restructuring thought patterns of obsessive fears in a safe and secure environment, to managing mental health conditions with a personalized treatment plan. AMFM Mental Health Treatment has over a decade of experience helping individuals overcome their mental health conditions through comprehensive clinical treatment, allowing you to unlock a higher quality of life.
Inpatient Treatment for Anxiety and OCD refers to residential, or live-in mental health care programming in a facility. OCD treatment allows you or your loved one to engage in interpersonal therapy with licensed therapists and group therapy sessions, while healing in a safe and supportive environment. Inpatient mental health programming for anxiety usually also provides the highest level of care, with 24/7 clinical care, psychiatry and medication management, and personalized treatment plans for lasting well-being.
Outpatient Treatment (IOP or PHP) programs offer comprehensive mental health care at a more flexible schedule, with both in-person and virtual options available. Unlike residential care, IOP Anxiety treatment can offer online therapy and programming, but without 24/7 clinical teams on staff. Outpatient treatment plans still offer a combination of individual and group therapy, through a holistic approach, but in a less structured environment.
If you have been struggling with one or more of the symptoms we have mentioned, know that you’re not alone. A Mission For Michael Mental Health Treatment has admission counselors available around the clock to help determine which treatment options can assist you in managing your mental health. Contact us today to begin your confidential and free mental health assessment.
A Mission For Michael (AMFM) provides treatment for adults experiencing various conditions. OCD support is a phone call away – call 866-478-4383 to learn about our current treatment options.
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Anxiety can affect individuals differently, which often requires individual treatment. There are a variety of anxiety treatment options that can be used to address the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of this condition. Some of the most common approaches used in anxiety counseling sessions include:
Psychiatric treatment can help supplement therapeutic care for those struggling with OCD and Anxiety. Specifically, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been known to help (in conjunction with CBT and ERP) with recovery and relief from OCD and anxiety symptoms.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is most commonly referred to as “talk therapy,” and is designed to help process emotions. Qualified professionals offer psychological therapy to move forward with healthy ways of engaging in interpersonal relationships and alleviating physical and emotional distress.
ERP is a type of CBT specific for treatment of OCD that encourages an individual to retrain his or her brain to unlink the fear attached to a certain obsession with the help of mental health professionals.
AMFM Mental Health Treatment offers family therapy through virtual family support groups that provide a dedicated time for families to engage in supportive and constructive interactions, fostering stronger relationships, and enhancing the overall treatment experience. Recovery takes a village, and it’s often helpful for family members to be involved in behavioral growth.
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“Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).” National Institute of Mental Health, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd. Accessed 13 April 2025.
Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2016 Jun. Table 3.13, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Comparison. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t13/
Jennifer A. Bartz, Eric Hollander, Is obsessive–compulsive disorder an anxiety disorder?, Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, Volume 30, Issue 3, 2006, Pages 338-352, ISSN 0278-5846, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2005.11.003. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278584605003477)
Richard Moulding, Michael Kyrios, Anxiety disorders and control related beliefs: the exemplar of Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Clinical Psychology Review, Volume 26, Issue 5, 2006, Pages 573-583, ISSN 0272-7358, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2006.01.009., (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272735806000249)
“Anxiety.” American Psychological Association, https://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety. Accessed 8 April 2025. https://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety#:~:text=Anxiety%20is%20an%20emotion%20characterized,the%20APA%20Dictionary%20of%20Psychology
“Any Anxiety Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).” National Institute of Mental Health, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder. Accessed 8 April 2025.https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder
“Psychotherapy: Understanding group therapy.” American Psychological Association, 31 October 2019, https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/group-therapy. Accessed 20 February 2025.
“APA Dictionary of Psychology.” APA Dictionary of Psychology, https://dictionary.apa.org/cognitive-behavior-therapy. Accessed 20 February 2025.
“What is EMDR?” EMDR Institute, https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/. Accessed 20 February 2025.
