OCD Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Chat Support Group

Co-existing Illnesses with OCD

Depression sometimes occurs along with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
(OCD) in adults, and less common in children and young adults. But if
depression is not present, people with OCD are not generally sad or
lacking in pleasure.

Although stress can make OCD worse, most people with Obsessive
Compulsive Disorder report that the symptoms can come and go on their
own and stress levels can vary according to situation and circumstance.

In children and adolescents, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder may worsen or
cause disruptive behaviors, OCD can also exaggerate a learning disorder
that already exists, cause problems with attention and concentration, or
interfere with learning at school. If the disruptive problems are only
related to OCD, they will go away when the OCD is successfully treated.

Someone with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder may have problems with
substance abuse, sometimes as a result of trying to self-medicate.  The
OCD can be treated but another treatment program will probably be needed
for the substance abuse problem.

Only a small number of people who have the disorder Obsessive Compulsive
Disorder (OCD) have the collection of personality traits called
Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD). Despite its similar
name, OCPD does not involve obsessions and compulsions, but rather is a
personality pattern that involves a preoccupation with rules, schedules,
and lists; perfectionism; an excessive devotion to work; rigidity; and
inflexibility. However, when people have both OCPD and OCD, the
successful treatment of the Obsessive Compulsive Disorder often causes a
favorable change in the person's personality.