What to tackle first for Concurrent Diagnoses: Generalized Anxiety Disorder and OCD

Deciding whether to tackle OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) or anxiety first depends on the severity of each condition, how they interact, and your individual needs. It's important to note that OCD is actually classified as an anxiety disorder, as it involves intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors driven by anxiety.

In many cases, addressing OCD can lead to a reduction in overall anxiety levels.  

However, if you're facing a situation where both conditions are significantly impacting your daily life, you might consider beginning with a more specialized assessment which includes the YBOCS. It's important to have a clear understanding of the nature and severity of both your OCD symptoms and your general anxiety symptoms. This might involve consulting with a mental health professional at Kairos Wellness Collective who is an expert in both conditions, and can who can diagnose your conditions and develop an appropriate treatment plan. 

Depending on the assessment, you and your mental health professional can determine which symptoms are more distressing or interfering with your life. 

Sometimes addressing the more severe symptoms first can have a positive ripple effect on other symptoms. 

Since OCD often involves anxiety, it's common for treatment approaches to address both issues simultaneously.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly a specific form called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is highly effective for treating OCD. It involves gradually exposing yourself to the feared situations or thoughts and refraining from performing compulsions. 

Treatment should be approached in a gradual and step-by-step manner. If you're working with a mental health professional, they will guide you through the process, starting with the least anxiety-inducing situations and gradually progressing to more challenging ones. 

Regardless of which condition you decide to address first, incorporating self-care practices such as regular exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and relaxation techniques can help alleviate both OCD and anxiety symptoms. 

In some cases, medication might be considered as part of the treatment plan. This decision should be made in consultation with a psychiatrist or prescribing doctor.

Regardless of your medication decisions, you should be sure to engage in regular therapy sessions, whether individual or group therapy, to work through your symptoms and develop coping strategies. 

Ultimately, the best approach might involve addressing both OCD and anxiety together, as they are interconnected. 

A comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your individual needs, guided by a mental health professional at Kairos Wellness Collective, can be a great first step. Contact Kairos today to learn more and start on your journey to mental wellness and improving your overall well-being.