OCD and Depression: Is there a link? & How can it affect you?

A Quick Guide

OCD is one of the most common disorders. In fact according to the National Institute Of Mental Health, in the US about 2.3% of adults have a lifetime prevalence of OCD. OCD can be really distressing for an individual. It can also lead to a number of other mental health conditions. One of them is depression. The link between OCD and depression is very deep and complex in nature. Depression is most commonly diagnosed with OCD according to research from the National Library of Medicine. Moreover, in a clinical and general population, the lifetime rates of depression in OCD patients range from 12 to 67.5 percent. Hence it is important to understand this link so you can move forward in your treatment. 

The link between OCD and Depression

Researches suggest that the symptoms of OCD appear first. Only a small percentage of people will experience symptoms of both conditions at the same time. Hence, we know that depression is mostly a part of OCD, rather than OCD being a part of depression. 

Furthermore, scientists also have the notion that biochemical factors are involved when it comes to these conditions. The imbalance of serotonin (which is a neurotransmitter in your brain) results in both depression and OCD. Moreover, depression is associated with obsessive thoughts (these could be negative and self-deprecating) rather than compulsive behaviors. 

Can Depression lead to OCD?

Research has not shown that depression causes OCD, despite the fact that it is unclear what actually causes OCD. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, it may result from any of the following:

• Childhood trauma
• Genetic Factors
• Distinctions in the frontal cortex and subcortical areas in the brain
• Streptococcal infection

Can OCD lead to Depression?

Yes. Researchers believe that the challenges of dealing with OCD can trigger depressive symptoms. Because OCD symptoms frequently appear before depressive symptoms. Depression may arise as a result of the following:

• The type of compulsive thoughts you have
• Challenges brought on by compulsive behavior
• The issues that OCD brings up in your relationships and daily lives

How it all affects you?

These conditions can affect your capacity to handle yourself in a healthy manner. Obsessions can affect your mental health condition. Whereas, compulsions can result in disruptions in your schedule.

When your relationships, social interactions, treatment, and ability at work or in school are negatively affected. You may start to exhibit signs of depression. According to research, obsessions and compulsions aggravate depressive symptoms because they interfere with daily functioning to a greater extent the more severe they are.

Potential challenges during treatment

So both conditions require long-term treatment separately including psychotherapy and medication. Though when they occur together, it may complicate things.

Since depression naturally has an impact on a person’s capacity to adhere to drug therapy, not just for OCD but for any long-term treatment that entails taking medicine daily. Sometimes intense feelings of hopelessness can consume a person which could lead them to not take proper care of themselves.

For those who are receiving OCD therapy, this can be quite challenging. Any lapse in therapy can reverse any progress a person may have achieved because many psychotropic medications demand strict adherence in order to have the desired effect. The therapist may frequently have to manage your depressive symptoms before managing the OCD because of this reason.

A number of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) can treat many OCD and depressive symptoms. Psychotherapy can also help in managing both conditions.

Last but not least, if you’ve been given an OCD diagnosis and think you’re depressed, don’t wait for the blues to go away. Consult your physician or mental health professional. You can have your treatment plan modified for your requirements. This way you can keep your symptoms from getting worse.

We hope you found this article useful in understanding more about the connection between OCD and Depression along with its treatment. 

For more on the treatment of OCD, check out our article Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Treatment