OCD and Anxiety: The Relationship Between Them

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 and Related Disorders

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.

Symptoms of OCD

  • Obsessive thoughts
  • Obsessive fears
  • Compulsive behaviors
  • Intrusive thoughts‌
  • Compulsive symptoms
  • ‌Repetitive behaviors
  • Unwanted thoughts
  • Excessive hand washing
  • Hoarding

Obsessive-Compulsive Related Disorders

  • Body Dysmorphic Disorders
  • Certain Eating Disorders
  • Trichotillomania
  • Excoriation
  • Hoarding Disorders

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Anxiety Symptoms and Disorders

An estimated 31.1% of U.S. adults experience any anxiety disorder at some time in their lives, and approximately 31.9% of adolescents struggle with any anxiety disorder.7 If you or your loved one are struggling with anxiety and looking for effective treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to AMFM Mental Health Treatment to begin your mental health recovery process today.

Symptoms of Anxiety

  • Panic Attacks
  • Hyperventilation
  • Shortness of Breath‌
  • Muscle Tension
  • Chest Tightness
  • Heart Palpitations
  • Increased Heart Rate

Additional Anxiety Disorders

  • Panic Disorder
  • Generalized Anxiety disorder
  • Agoraphobia
  • Specific Phobias
  • Social Anxiety Disorder (social phobia)
  • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Separation Anxiety Disorder

Types of OCD Treatment And Anxiety Treatment

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

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 for Anxiety and OCD

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.

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Locations for OCD and Anxiety Treatment

AMFM Mental Health Treatment center offers specialized treatment for bipolar disorder, mood disorders, and hypomania episode care across multiple locations. Our California, Virginia, and Washington locations offer you or your loved one mental health programming and mental health crisis services at the highest level of care. We provide comprehensive case management‌, a variety of therapies, behavioral health services, and a safe and supportive environment for wellness. We are strategically placed to provide accessible, high-quality care tailored to your needs. To find out more about our facilities, contact us at 866-478-4383. Explore our locations below to find the one nearest to you.

California

Mental Health Treatment Program in California

AMFM’s California treatment centers are located up and down the coast of Southern California, from the greater Los Angeles area, to Orange County, down to San Diego. Our inpatient mental mental health treatment program locations are: Fallbrook, Carlsbad, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Hills, and Laguna Nigel. For personalized support and for insurance verification, call us today.

Virginia

Mental Health Treatment Program in Virginia

If you’re searching for mental health treatment options in Virginia, AMFM’s mental health treatment programs are available in Fairfax Station, Vienna, and Great Falls, VA.These locations in Virginia are qualified to assist with anxiety treatment and to meet your needs

Washington

Mental Health Treatment Program in Washington

AMFM Mental Health Treatment Center offers outpatient mental health treatment programs in Washington, conveniently located at 6900 East Green Lake Way N, Suite G, Seattle, WA 98115. A Mission For Michael Mental Health Treatment has one location in the state, providing dedicated and comprehensive mental health care for lasting well-being.

Types of Therapy for OCD and Anxiety

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

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.

Group Therapy

Group therapy sessions can be used to help provide structured times to help you understand that you are not alone in your struggles, that your peers are also walking through these challenges, while also providing guidance, suggestions and communications from psychologists with specialized backgrounds. These groups can span a variety of backgrounds, including but not limited to art therapy, somatic therapy, and narrative therapy.8

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that’s focused on restructuring and reprogramming maladaptive and negative thought processes. Psychologists are trained to help you change your cognitive and emotional processes in order to outgrow coping mechanisms that may no longer be serving you.9 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

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.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

EMDR Therapy is a renowned method of reprocessing most often used in trauma therapy. By activating the prefrontal cortex through a series of bilateral stimulation, qualified professionals can lead you through traumatic experiences, helping you to alleviate the distress symptomized by trauma.10

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

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.

Family Therapy

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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By submitting this form you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy and give my express written consent for AMFM Healthcare to contact me at the number provided above, even if this number is a wireless number or if I am presently listed on a Do Not Call list.

I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Disclaimer

What to expect

Contact From Admission Representative:

Complete the form to receive a prompt call back from a member of our experienced and compassionate admissions staff. All communication is 100% confidential.

By submitting this form you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy and give my express written consent for AMFM Healthcare to contact me at the number provided above, even if this number is a wireless number or if I am presently listed on a Do Not Call list.

I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Disclaimer

“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.