The OCD-ADHD Combo
It may surprise you to learn that kids with OCD are more likely to have both OCD and ADHD than adults—nearly one in five kids with OCD experience both! This raises an important question: Can we effectively treat both OCD and ADHD at the same time? Yes, we can! Concurrent treatment for both conditions can yield better results!
What ABout ADHD meds?
Some families worry that stimulant medications could worsen OCD symptoms. While it's true that stimulants may impact OCD, evidence linking them to exacerbated OCD symptoms is limited. So, it’s worth talking to your psychiatrist about. There’s also evidence that untreated ADHD in kids can reduce the effectiveness of evidence-based OCD treatments, such as exposure and response prevention (ERP). Stimulants can enhance focus and information retention during therapy, allowing clients to more effectively manage obsessions outside of therapy. And addressing ADHD with medication OR therapy can lead to improved engagement in OCD treatment.
What can we do?
So, how can we navigate treating both disorders without overwhelming kids with too much therapy? Beyond medication options, parent-focused interventions may be the golden ticket. By empowering parents with tools and strategies, we can create a supportive environment that fosters progress for both conditions.
We understand that individual interventions targeting ADHD symptoms in children often fall short. Instead, parent-based approaches, like Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), show significant positive effects on ADHD symptoms, child behavior, and overall family stress for kids aged 2 to 7. Similarly, Parent Management Training (PMT), often called Parent Coaching, yields remarkable benefits for children up to 12 years old.
Let's be honest: both PCIT and PMT require substantial effort from parents. They demand the commitment and willingness to reflect on our own actions and reactions while juggling work, extracurriculars, and other responsibilities. However, if you’re ready to embrace this challenge, PCIT sessions typically last just 14 to 20 weeks, leading to meaningful changes for both children and families. Plus, your dedication will enhance the effectiveness of evidence-based OCD treatments, like exposure and response prevention (ERP).
In our experience, parent-based therapy for ADHD has proven invaluable in the treatment of OCD in children. By investing in these approaches, you're setting the stage for lasting improvements in your child’s well-being.
Authored by Mind Chicago OCD specialists
