The relationship between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression is deep and complex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Understanding why these two conditions often co-occur \u2014 and perhaps more important, how to think about treatment when you have both \u2014 may help you develop better mental and physical health. Here are some good things to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People often have OCD<\/a> and depression<\/a> at the same time. The International OCD Foundation<\/a> estimates that between 25 and 50 percent of those with OCD will also experience depression. Most people experience the symptoms of OCD first, but for a small percentage, the two conditions begin at the same time. It\u2019s rare for depression symptoms to precede OCD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For that reason, researchersTrusted Source<\/a> often say that depression is part of OCD, but OCD is not necessarily part of depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although it isn\u2019t clear exactly what causes OCD, no research suggests depression causes OCD. According to the National Institute of Mental HealthTrusted Source<\/a>, OCD can be caused by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The short answer is yes. Because depression often begins after OCD symptoms develop, researchers think the difficulties of living with OCD can lead to depression symptoms<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depression can develop because of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n OCD sparks repetitive, unwanted, and upsetting thoughts. For many people, the very nature of the thoughts is enough to cause shock, fear, and eventually depression. Here\u2019s an example of how that progression can work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A new parent might have sudden, unwanted thoughts of harming the baby. About half of all parentsTrusted Source<\/a> (fathers and mothers) have intrusive thoughts exactly like these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The thoughts can be frightening and cause enormous shame, even though the baby may never be in any actual danger. A parent who doesn\u2019t realize how common these thoughts are might feel that something is wrong with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n OCD causes intrusive thoughts like these and others. Not all intrusive thoughts<\/a> involve violent imagery, but most are disturbing or unsettling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Still, intrusive thoughts do not automatically indicate an increased risk of harm. But that risk may increase if the thoughts occur along with anxiety, depression, and OCD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Distressing thoughts can also lead to depression over time because an individual having intrusive thoughts may feel out of control of their mind, which can be quite depressing and debilitating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Studies from 2018Trusted Source<\/a> also show that ruminating \u2014 thinking the same worrisome, depressing, or negative thoughts over and over \u2014 is a key contributor to depression and OCD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a 2017 studyTrusted Source<\/a>, researchers asked people with OCD and depression questions to determine whether they were prone to anxious or depressing thoughts. Researchers found that having anxious and depressing thoughts was common in people with these two disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In an older studyTrusted Source<\/a>, researchers found that people with OCD experienced fewer depression symptoms when they showed three common patterns:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In response to intrusive thoughts, people with OCD usually perform specific actions in the mistaken belief that their behaviors will either make the thoughts go away or prevent something bad from happening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These compulsive behaviors must be performed flawlessly every time \u2014 a standard that is hard to meet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ResearchersTrusted Source<\/a> say this kind of relentless perfectionism, the hallmark of OCD, is also a key factor in depressionTrusted Source<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n OCD and depression can adversely impact your ability to function in a healthy way. Obsessions affect your state of mind. Compulsions can interfere with your schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When your relationships, social life, therapy, and performance on the job or in school are affected, you may begin to experience symptoms of depression. ResearchersTrusted Source<\/a> have found that the more severe obsessions and compulsions are, the more they impact your daily functioning, worsening depression symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anxiety is a key component of OCD. People with OCD may feel anxiety for many reasons, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anxiety is also common among people with depression. The National Alliance on Mental Illness<\/a> estimates that 60 percent of people with anxiety also have depression and vice versa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These two disorders share many overlapping symptomsTrusted Source<\/a>, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although OCD and depression share many symptoms, there are some critical distinctions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n OCD and depression can be treated with psychotherapy<\/a>, medication, or both. In addition to these research-tested treatments, you can also reduce your symptoms with other therapies such as mindfulness<\/a>, yogaTrusted Source<\/a>, and healthy doses of physical activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n StudiesTrusted Source<\/a> suggest that, for most people, it may be better to focus on treating OCD symptoms first because reducing OCD symptoms often improves depression \u2013 but not the other way around. Treating depression doesn\u2019t necessarily reduce OCD symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cognitive behavioral therapyTrusted Source<\/a>, which aims to identify and reshape unhealthy thinking patterns, has proven particularly helpful to people with OCD and depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s vital to target ruminations as part of your therapy because reducing these entrenched thought patterns can help with depression once you\u2019ve begun to see improvement in your OCD symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This means if you are a family member or friend to someone with OCD, take heart. Though you may feel helpless in the face of the symptoms affecting someone you care about, there is something powerful you can do. Show up. Show love. Strong human connections have a protective effect<\/a> against the depression that can seep in when dealing with OCD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you\u2019re experiencing depression, finding the energy to exercise can sometimes feel impossible. Take some small steps in the right direction. Many studiesTrusted Source<\/a> have confirmed that physical activity in conjunction with therapy can reduce OCD and depression symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read the rest of this article on Healthline here<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nCan depression cause OCD?<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Can OCD cause depression?<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Obsessions and depression<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Compulsions and depression<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Functioning and depression<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What about anxiety?<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How are OCD and depression similar?<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How are OCD and depression different?<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What you can do if you have OCD and depression<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Focus first on your OCD symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Consider therapy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Connect when you feel like isolating<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Work toward more movement in your life<\/h3>\n\n\n\n