ADHD vs OCD: Understanding the Overlap
Many people come to us at Lycali feeling confused about whether they, or their child, may have ADHD, OCD, or both.
This is completely understandable.
There can be a significant overlap in how these conditions present, particularly around behaviours such as, repetitive actions, difficulty concentrating, and intrusive thoughts.
However, the underlying reasons for these behaviours are very different and understanding this is key to getting the right support.
🧠 What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects:
Attention and focus
Impulsivity
Activity levels
Emotional regulation
Executive functioning (planning, organisation, memory)
People with ADHD often experience:
Difficulty sustaining attention
Forgetfulness
Restlessness
Acting without thinking
Challenges with routine and structure
🔁 What is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterised by:
Obsessions (intrusive, unwanted thoughts)
Compulsions (repetitive behaviours or mental acts performed to reduce anxiety)
Common OCD experiences include:
Fear of contamination
Repeated checking behaviours
Intrusive thoughts about harm
A strong need for certainty or control
Where ADHD and OCD Overlap
This is where things can become confusing.
There are several traits that can appear similar on the surface:
1. Repetitive behaviours
ADHD: Repeating actions due to habit, stimulation, or distraction
OCD: Repeating actions to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared outcome
2. Difficulty focusing
ADHD: Attention shifts quickly; difficulty sustaining focus
OCD: Attention is over-focused on intrusive thoughts
3. Restlessness
ADHD: Physical hyperactivity or internal restlessness
OCD: Mental restlessness driven by anxiety
4. Executive functioning challenges
Both can impact:
Organisation
Task completion
Planning
Time management
But for different reasons.
5. Emotional distress
ADHD: Frustration, overwhelm, emotional dysregulation
OCD: Anxiety-driven distress linked to intrusive thoughts
The Key Differences
The biggest distinction comes down to why the behaviour is happening.
🧠 ADHD
Driven by impulsivity and inattention
Behaviours are often unintentional or inconsistent
Difficulty starting or finishing tasks
Thoughts are fast, shifting, and distractible
🔁 OCD
Driven by anxiety and fear
Behaviours are deliberate and repetitive
Difficulty stopping compulsions
Thoughts are intrusive, persistent, and distressing
Can you have both ADHD and OCD?
Yes, and this is more common than many people realise.
Some individuals experience:
ADHD alongside obsessive traits
ADHD with anxiety that mimics OCD
Co-occurring ADHD and OCD
This can make diagnosis more complex and requires a thorough, specialist assessment.
Why misidentification happens
We often see individuals who have been:
Told they are “just anxious”
Misunderstood as having behavioural issues
Treated for one condition when another is present
For example:
An ADHD individual may develop anxiety due to overwhelm
An individual with OCD may appear inattentive due to intrusive thoughts
This is why screening tools alone are not enough. A full assessment is key.
How ADHD and OCD are assessed
At Lycali, we take a holistic, neurodevelopmental approach, which may include:
Detailed clinical interview
Developmental history
Standardised tools (e.g. DIVA-5 for ADHD)
Exploration of obsessive and compulsive traits
Functional impact across daily life
This allows us to understand the full picture, rather than looking at symptoms in isolation.
🌿 When to seek support
You may want to explore an assessment if you or your child experience:
Persistent intrusive thoughts
Repetitive behaviours that feel hard to control
Ongoing difficulties with attention and focus
Emotional overwhelm or anxiety
Challenges with daily functioning (school, work, relationships)
How Lycali can support you
At Lycali, we offer:
✔ ADHD assessments (children and adults)
✔ Autism assessments
✔ Psychoeducation and coaching
✔ Support tailored to neurodivergent individuals
We focus on helping individuals and families understand their experiences and access the right support.
👉 Take the next step
If you're unsure whether ADHD, OCD, or both may be present, you can start by completing one of our screening questionnaires:
Or book a consultation with our team to explore your concerns in more detail.