ADHD and OCD: A Practical Guide for Australians

ADHD and OCD together: are they related?

The two can occur together, but they are not the same thing.

• Are OCD and ADHD related? They are separate conditions, and a person can have either or both; a specialist decides what applies.
• Is OCD part of ADHD? No, they are assessed as separate conditions, so a specialist needs to look at each.
• Is OCD linked to ADHD? The Australian ADHD Guideline says up to 80% of adults with ADHD have at least one additional mental health disorder (AADPA); that figure covers all mental health conditions, not OCD alone.
• Can you have both at the same time? Yes, a person can have both conditions, and an assessment looks at each one separately.
• Can ADHD cause OCD? Your specialist can explain what is known and how it applies to your situation.

Bring this question to your GP if you are unsure.

ADHD and OCD overlap: how common are co-occurring conditions?

ADHD often comes with other conditions, so a second diagnosis is not unusual.

These figures describe all co-occurring conditions, not OCD alone, and are drawn from the guideline (AADPA).

Difference between ADHD and OCD

This table shows general differences; it is for reflection only, and only a qualified professional can assess this.

The assessment criteria for ADHD come from AADPA’s ADHD Diagnosis Checklist (AADPA checklist). If you are weighing up ADHD against another condition, our guides on ADHD vs autism spectrum disorder and ADHD vs bipolar may help.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

OCD and ADHD in females: why ADHD can be missed

Girls and women with ADHD may be recognised later, so it helps to know how ADHD can present.

• The Australian ADHD Guideline notes evidence that girls and women with ADHD may frequently go unrecognised or be diagnosed late (AADPA).
• healthdirect states that ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in young males but is also underdiagnosed in young females and adults (healthdirect).
• ReachOut Australia says teenage girls are more likely to experience the inattentive type of ADHD, which is less visible (ReachOut Australia).
• Read ADHD Australia’s article on why ADHD in girls is often missed at school for the school picture.
• If you think a second condition may be involved, tell your GP about everything you notice so nothing is overlooked.

OCD and ADHD in adult women and adults

Adults can be assessed too, and the ADHD criteria differ slightly for people aged over 17.

• Adults can ask a GP about assessment at any age; the guideline notes around 3-5% of adults in Australia have ADHD (Australian ADHD Guideline).
• For people aged over 17, 5 of the 9 symptoms in either DSM-5 group are needed to reach the diagnostic threshold, compared with 6 of 9 for children.
• Write down examples from home, work and relationships before your appointment, since symptoms must affect at least two settings.
• Bring any information about childhood, because the checklist asks for evidence of symptoms before age 12.
• Our guide to ADHD and trauma covers another condition that can sit alongside ADHD.

How are ADHD and OCD assessed and supported in Australia?

If you are wondering how to treat both at the same time, the plan should come from your treating team, not from a guide like this one.

1. 1Book a GP appointment. Describe what you notice, how long it has lasted and how it affects home, work or study.
2. 2Ask about assessment. Your GP may refer you to a paediatrician, psychiatrist or other qualified specialist for each condition.
3. 3Talk through options together. Your GP, paediatrician, psychiatrist or pharmacist can explain treatment choices, and you should not start, stop or change any medicine without their advice.
4. 4Tell every professional about both conditions. Each clinician should know about both so advice fits together.
5. 5Add everyday supports. Routines, reminders and help at home may help with daily life alongside clinical care.

Related reading includes BPD and ADHD and ADHD and dyslexia, two more overlaps people ask about.

ADHD, OCD and the NDIS

Support is possible, but NDIS funding depends on meeting the NDIS access requirements.

• Our guide on whether OCD is a disability explains when OCD may count as a disability in Australia.
• For another overlap, see OCD and autism.
• If you do access the NDIS, depending on your plan, supports can include help with daily routines, community access and help around the home.
• Learn what practical support looks like through TQN Care NDIS services.

When to talk to a GP or specialist

You do not need to wait for things to get worse before you ask for advice.

• Distracting thoughts, repeated actions or difficulty focusing are taking up a lot of your day.
• Symptoms have lasted for months and are affecting study, work, sleep or relationships.
• You or your child have an ADHD diagnosis and now notice new worries or repeated behaviours.
• You feel overwhelmed or hopeless; Lifeline is available on 13 11 14, and healthdirect nurses on 1800 022 222 can help you find services.
• You are unsure which condition is causing the difficulty and want a proper assessment.

Call 000 in an emergency or if someone is in immediate danger.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

Your next step

Living with both conditions can make daily routines harder, and practical help at home can take some pressure off. TQN Care’s NDIS support workers help with daily life, community access and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). See our NDIS support services for what we offer, then make a referral when you are ready and we will call you back.