Comorbidities

Hi guys, This is my first post on here, as I’ve been scared to be vulnerable in this way. I’ve had a lifelong journey of mental health, diagnosed with a myriad of things, and misdiagnosed with others. When I got diagnosed with OCD, things started to click and treatment has been going well. There’s still a disconnect, things I do that are different than others and aren’t compulsion or obsession related. The reason I’m posting is to ask if anyone has been diagnosed with OCD/Autism and how you navigated that comorbidity. Thank you to anyone who shares

User type: Therapist

Date posted: 8d

It takes courage to open up about your mental health journey, especially when it comes to complex topics like comorbidities. The overlap between OCD and autism can be challenging to navigate, and it’s understandable to seek insight from others who may have similar experiences. If you’re struggling and need more assistance, remember that help is available. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at NOCD to find out how we can support you. Also here are some helpful resources: https://www.treatmyocd.com/what-is-ocd/common-fears/the-relationship-between-ocd-and-adhd https://www.treatmyocd.com/what-is-ocd/common-fears/the-most-common-ocd-symptoms-in-children https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/unspeakable-thoughts-barriers-to-ocd-diagnosis-and-treatment/

Thornhill

Date posted: 8d

Well hi there! I have not been diagnosed with autism but I have been diagnosed with OCD. I want to welcome you to the club (strange club I know!) but also let you know that mental health journeys are messy at times and the fact you chose to share and be vulnerable is very inspiring to those who might not be there yet! I hope you find your OCD autism folks, keep going ☺️

lauren.exe

Date posted: 8d

i was diagnosed with autism at 12 and then with OCD at about 20. it’s been a challenge in terms of how both shape my thinking. but i’ve learned some good coping mechanisms, have friends, and just graduated college. there is no cure, there will always be ups and downs, but building a good support system is what helped me the most :)

JediMJ

Date posted: 8d

I was officially diagnosed with ADHD years ago and more recently with OCD and ASD. For me, I’ve been on a journey of self discovery and finding out about each of these conditions has helped me better understand myself. In some ways, I feel like my various conditions are all just an interesting mix of neurodivergence. It fascinates me that all 3 conditions involve brains that get “stuck.” ASD has special interests, ADHD has hyperfixations, OCD has obsessions. As far as how I navigate it all…well, it’s been a journey and I’m still on it, but basically I’ve gained a lot of knowledge and been to a lot of therapy and I know what works for me. I have strategies that I can try. I know some days I’m just overwhelmed and I allow myself to rest. For me, learning to change my inner voice from critical to compassionate has been key. Here’s something interesting from my experience. A couple years ago, I asked a few friends if they did what I do when pumping gas…which is to make sure it stops on numbers that I like…or a good sequence. And they were like…um, no. And I was surprised. It seemed so normal to me. And then with the ASD/OCD knowledge, it made sense. Pattern recognition with the ASD and a bit of a compulsion with the OCD. I decided to stop doing it, to prove to myself that I could. It was a little uncomfortable when the pump shut off on numbers I didn’t like. But really, very mild discomfort. And it proved to me that I could stop other behaviors, like ruminating. I thought a physical thing that barely caused any anxiety would be a good place to start and it was. If there’s anything specific you want to talk about or share, I’m here for it. 🙂

Cayla Davis

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 17w

AMA for Parents: Supporting a child with OCD while managing my own—Ask me anything!

Hi everyone, I’m Cayla. I’m a mom that’s lived with OCD since childhood, but my breaking point came more recently after having my son. I was consumed by terrifying thoughts—What if I hurt him? What if I did something awful without realizing it? I was so afraid of my own mind that I couldn’t be alone with him. The shame and exhaustion were unbearable, and I convinced myself I was broken. In 2024, I finally sought help. ERP therapy at NOCD was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it saved my life. Even now, I have tough days, but I know I don’t have to be ruled by OCD. When my 12 year old daughter began showing signs of OCD, I felt overwhelmed with guilt. I never wanted her to go through what I had, but I knew what to do. I told her that I have OCD too and made sure she knew it wasn’t her fault—and that she wasn’t alone. One of the hardest parts of this journey was trusting someone else with my daughter’s OCD. I knew how vulnerable it feels to share intrusive thoughts, and I wanted her to feel safe. Her NOCD therapist was able to establish trust and genuine empathy from the start, and that relationship gave her the confidence to face ERP head-on. Seeing her build that trust made me certain she was in the right hands. ERP has helped both of us reclaim our lives, and it is beautiful to see my daughter managing her condition and making visible progress. Parenting with OCD while raising a child with OCD isn’t talked about enough, but I know so many parents are struggling with these same challenges. If you have questions about managing OCD while parenting, helping your child through ERP, or breaking cycles of guilt, drop them below—I’d love to share what I’ve learned. I’ll be answering all of the questions I receive in real-time today 4-5pm ET.

ATT2001

Date posted: 16w

I believe I was misdiagnosed

Hello there. I’m new here and think I may have OCD I’ve struggled with anxiety my whole life. However, in my early teens, I started experiencing obsessive fears and engaging in compulsions because my brain convinced me that if I didn’t perform a certain action a specific number of times, it would “prove” that I wanted something terrible to happen. When I was 17, I began seeing a therapist and opened up to her about this. She diagnosed me with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and I accepted the diagnosis But last night, I became curious about whether people with GAD engage in compulsions and have specific fears, so I looked it up. I was shocked to learn that these are not typical characteristics of GAD Now, I would love to find a therapist who specializes in OCD so I can get a formal diagnosis and the appropriate treatment

Brittany07

Date posted: 13w

Hello

Hello, my name is Brittany, and I have been living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) for as long as I can remember. However, since experiencing a stroke that I believe was a result of chiropractic care, my struggles have intensified and become overwhelmingly exhausting. I have always been acutely aware of my body and its signals, which has led to a heightened sense of worry about potential health complications. Though I’ve always had a tendency to worry, the anxiety that has surged since my stroke feels insurmountable. I’m reaching out in hopes of connecting with others who understand this journey, sharing stories and experiences in the hope that, one day, I might find a way to overcome these challenges or at least discover some relief from the relentless grip of anxiety.

Be a part of the largest OCD Community

Share your thoughts so the Community can respond

Comorbidities

Related posts

Be a part of the largest OCD Community

Be a part of the largest OCD Community