Do I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder or OCD? by Robyn Tamanaha, LMFT
The difference between Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be confusing, so much so that some find that what they thought was Generalized Anxiety Disorder is actually OCD!
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
In Generalized Anxiety Disorder, an individual experiences worried thoughts that have been persistent for at least six months. This experience leads to difficulty concentrating, trouble sleeping or relaxing, fatigue, irritability, intestinal discomfort, bodily pain, or headaches. Individuals who experience Generalized Anxiety Disorder find that it is very difficult to control their worried thoughts. Their thoughts could include financial standing, health, responsibilities, punctuality, or a general fear that something bad is going to happen. CLICK HERE to learn how Generalized Anxiety Disorder is treated.
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, an individual experiences unwanted intrusive thoughts, images, and urges that involuntarily enter the individual's mind. These thoughts might be centered around cleanliness, order, harm to themselves or others, religion, morality, making mistakes, or something taboo. These thoughts, images, and urges are persistent and can cause major distress. In an effort to decrease the magnitude of these thoughts, the individual will engage in repetitive behaviors, also known as compulsions. Some examples of compulsions are handwashing, cleaning, checking, re-doing tasks, seeking reassurance, repeating positive thoughts, or doing a task "the right way" or until it "feels right." The experience of intrusive thoughts and compulsions take up at least two hours per day. This can be agonizing, and may affect major areas of the individual's life, such as work, school, relationships, and basic self care. Want to know how OCD is treated? CLICK HERE to read about the most effective treatment for OCD.
Similarities between GAD and OCD
Both include excessive worried thoughts
Both are distressing to experience
Differences between GAD and OCD
GAD is general free floating worried thoughts about everyday situations.
OCD is specific. Its focus is on specific worries and the individual believes that they must complete repeated specific behaviors in hopes that it will make the intrusive thoughts subside.
You don’t have to do this alone. I specialize in treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety. If you are interested in receiving therapy with me, let’s schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.
I can provide in person and video therapy. I provide video therapy to individuals living anywhere within the state of California. My office is located in Irvine, which is near Newport Beach, Orange, Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Tustin, Seal Beach, and beyond. I provide video therapy to individuals who live in California, including Orange County, San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, at more. I work with OCD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and Asian American & Pacific Islanders.
Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. The topics being discussed are meant as a self-help tool for you own use. It is not psychotherapy or counseling. This information is to be used based on your own judgment. If you need to speak with a professional, you should find one local to you and contact them directly.