OCD can look a lot like anxiety—here’s how to tell the difference

OCD doesn’t always look the way people expect. It can be common to experience constant worry, overthinking, and endless spirals—which is why OCD is often misdiagnosed as generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD. But the anxiety involved in OCD operates differently than GAD and needs a different kind of treatment. Being misdiagnosed with GAD can lead you toward the wrong type of therapy, stalling your progress and leaving you wondering why nothing seems to work the way it should. The good news is that OCD specialists know exactly what to look for and how to effectively treat OCD, as well as anxiety that occurs alongside it. Watch Dr. Patrick McGrath, NOCD’s Chief Clinical Officer, share the key differences between OCD and anxiety—and why the right diagnosis can make all the difference.