OCD and depression are not only correlated but are very interconnected, making it difficult to talk about one without mentioning the other.
It is crucial to comprehend why these two conditions are present and, more to the point, how a patient must undertake treatment when experiencing these disorders at the exact moment and how one can flourish in good physical and mental condition.
The following article is an absolute guide to understanding the association between OCD and depression, does OCD lead to depression, and whether depression is caused by OCD.
What Is OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental disorder that causes unwanted and persistent thoughts or sensations. To counter or ‘neutralize’ these thoughts, a person performs an act repeatedly (compulsions). Compulsive behaviors include washing/cleaning hands, checking on objects, mental counting, or any activity that could seriously interfere with a person’s working and social life.
What Are The Signs Of OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder usually manifests through obsessions and compulsions. But it is also possible to have only an obsession or only a compulsion. Additionally, several people may not notice that their obsessions and compulsions are irrational and unnecessary. However, they take time, reduce their quality of life, and interfere with their lifestyles, roles, and responsibilities.
What Is Depression?
Depression is one of the most severe mental ailments that affect your mood. Also, it influences your emotions, cognition, behavior, and perception of the world. Depression causes a chronic state of sadness. The patient usually loses interest in things/activities they once used to enjoy.
Learn More: A Brief Guide to different types of OCD
What Are The Common Signs Of Depression?
Some of the common psychological signs of depression are:
- Low mood that continues for weeks
- Extreme hopelessness
- Reduced self-esteem
- Lack of motivation
- Anxiousness
- Suicidal thoughts
The physical symptoms of depression include:
- Slow talking
- Changes in eating patterns
- Sudden body aches
- Lowered energy
- Disturbed sleeping patterns
What Are The Causes Of OCD And Depression?
The causes of depression and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are perplexing and often involve a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors:
Causes Of Depression:
Genetics:
There is evidence that links genetic susceptibility of depression to a hereditary predisposition experienced within a family.
Brain Chemistry:
Chemical imbalances affect the levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, etc., which can influence depression.
Hormonal Changes:
Changes in hormone levels, pre-pregnancy, early motherhood, or menopausal age cause depression in women. Men can have a significant issue of hormonal imbalance, which tends to cause depression.
Trauma or Stress:
Depression results from having a history of exposure to trauma or from being stressed chronically.
Medical Conditions:
Secondary causes can also lead to the development of depression, such as pain, diseases, and substance abuse problems.
Personality Traits:
Depression is also seen to be caused by low self-esteem and a high level of self-criticism.
Causes Of OCD:
Genetics:
Recent studies show that there is a higher prevalence of OCD in people with strong family history.
Brain Structure and Function:
Brain irregularities, specifically the areas involved in the regulation of emotions and behaviors, can lead to the development of OCD.
Serotonin Imbalance:
OCD is associated with the deficiency or disturbances in the levels of serotonin, which is responsible for regulating mood and behaviors.
Environmental Factors:
One of the leading causes of the development of OCD is stressful and adverse life events such as trauma and infections.
Cognitive Patterns:
An OCD patient usually possesses overemphasized beliefs about harm, perfectionism, or responsibility. Such beliefs lead to compulsive behavior to control anxiety.
Behavioral Conditioning:
Constant exposure to anxiety-provoking subjects paired with compulsive behavior can act as a reinforcer for strengthening OCD patterns over time.
How Are OCD And Depression Related?
It is common to find people having OCD and depression simultaneously. Recent studies show that from one-quarter to half of OCD cases will show symptoms of depression. But the order may be different; the first might be OCD, while the second might be depression, or they may start concurrently in a small percentage of the population. Rarely does depression manifest first before anxiety does, so the two are pretty much expected to go hand in hand. Further, recent studies show that depression is the subset of OCD, but OCD is not part of depression.
Learn More: OCD in children: Signs, Causes and Treatment
Does OCD Lead To Depression?
Yes, it can because OCD affects the normal functioning of the sufferers and might lead to depression. The reason is that depression often occurs after the signs of OCD. Nevertheless, according to recent research, difficulties living with OCD can cause the development of depression.
Depression can develop because of:
- The nature of your compulsive thoughts
- Complexities caused by compulsive actions
- Disruptions caused by OCD in your social and personal life
Can Depression Cause OCD?
Although it has not been proven that depression can be a significant cause of OCD, no evidence suggests that depression may lead to OCD. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, OCD can be caused by:
- Genetics
- Differences in the frontal cortex and subcortical regions of the brain
- Childhood trauma
- Streptococcal infection
How Are OCD And Depression Different?
While the symptoms of OCD and depression are often quite similar, some differences are relatively apparent.
- In particular, OCD is remarkable for the presence of compulsions, which is a persistent tendency to engage in an activity to avoid a specific form of anxiety. But depression does not usually comprise compulsions such as switching on and off the light.
- Tic disorders can either coexist with OCD or appear in a different time frame, but there is no precise data regarding tic disorder and depression.
- Depression is categorized as a mood disorder as described in the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition.” In several previous versions of the DSM, OCD has been classified as a type of anxiety disorder. Like in DSM-V, OCD has been relocated from either the anxiety or the mood disorders subcategories.
What Are The Top Tips For Managing OCD And Depression?
Some of the best advice that has been given to people struggling with OCD and depression includes:
- OCD symptoms should be given priority.
- Consult a mental health therapist at any time.
- Reach out to connect with others.
- Try to get regular physical activity.
Can OCD And Depression Co-occur?
Obsession and clinical depression are correctly described as comorbid mental health disorders, and this combination is by no means rare. People with OCD also experience distress due to the thoughts and actions they develop, thus losing hope, having low self-esteem, and therefore leading to depression. Even dealing with the symptoms of the mental disorder of OCD also becomes exhausting, and this aspect alone leads to depression since the individual wants to be all alone in dealing with the symptoms. Additionally, when depression coexists with OCD, the client’s anxiety levels tend to be higher, and the motivation to attend mental health sessions will be low. Due to their high similarity, they both need to be treated and eradicated.
Concluding Remarks!
OCD and depression often co-occur, which indicates that the two disorders are related not only by chance but have a cause-and-effect relationship. It is, therefore, essential to grasp why these conditions are commonly associated, as this will help the management of each of the diseases. If you are struggling with understanding the association between OCD and depression and desire to attain an effective mental health solution. You are at the right place. Inland Empire Behavioral Group is the leading mental health platform with a proficient team of mental health experts. So, wait no more and contact us today to regain the long-lost mental stability.
