Can You Have Depression and OCD at the Same Time?

Depression is a severe mental health problem that's hard enough to manage – but what if you have obsessive-compulsive disorder, too? Read on to discover if you can have both problems simultaneously and how to get treatment for your needs.

Many mental health disorders have similar symptoms, making it hard to determine the best treatment route. Depression is a prevalent mental health problem affecting millions of Americans each year.

However, did you know you can also have obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD? It's common for someone suffering from OCD to have depression and vice versa.

You aren’t alone if you suffer from both mental health disorders; they often go together. Dr. Elia R. Gonzalez-Rodriguez and the team at Pacific Phoenix TMS specialize in mental health problems and treatments.

Dr. Gonzalez-Rodriguez is an experienced psychiatrist offering customized treatments for depression and OCD, whether you have them both or just one of the two.

Differences between OCD and depression

Obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression are two different mental health diagnoses. Although they may cause similar issues with your mind and body, they each have their attributes.

OCD is a disorder that causes someone to have repetitive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and monotonous, unwavering behaviors (compulsions). People with OCD may have obsessions only, compulsions only, or a mixture of both.

Conversely, depression is a significant mental health problem in which people have deep sorrow, hopelessness, and loss of interest in the things they love.

Depression causes disturbances in someone's mood, relationships, and feelings and can sometimes lead to thoughts of self-harm.

OCD and depression differ in several ways, mainly regarding obsessions and compulsions. Depression doesn't cause these symptoms. However, the obsessions and compulsions of OCD may lead to depression.

What's the link between the two?

You can undoubtedly have depression and OCD simultaneously, making your life even more complicated when dealing with two mental health problems.

The link between OCD and depression often results from the symptoms of OCD leading to further mental health problems like depression.

Obsessions and compulsions can take over your life, making it difficult to do the activities you enjoy or have meaningful relationships.

The constant thoughts and behaviors you feel you must perform each day put tremendous pressure on your mental health, often leading to feelings of sadness and despair, both of which are signs of depression.

In most cases, OCD is the first diagnosis, followed by depression. It's rare for depression to cause OCD, but the conditions may start simultaneously.

The good news is treatments for OCD and depression are similar, meaning you can get treatment for both simultaneously.

Psychotherapy and antidepressant medications are both options that work for OCD and depression. We may use a combination of both to treat your symptoms best and improve your quality of life.

If medications and therapy don't work, we offer transcranial magnetic stimulation for OCD and depression. TMS is noninvasive and uses strong magnets to increase neurotransmitter production in some brain regions.

Call one of our conveniently located offices in Salmon Creek or East Vancouver, Washington, today to schedule an appointment for OCD or depression treatment. You may also request an appointment with Dr. Rodriguez-Gonzalez on the website.