“Is It Anxiety or OCD?”: Understanding the Differences (and Overlaps) So You Can Respond with Clarity and Confidence
It’s not always easy to tell the difference between anxiety and OCD—especially when the lines feel fuzzy. Maybe your child is asking the same question over and over. Or they’re worrying constantly. Or needing you to double-check things "just in case." You find yourself wondering: Is this typical anxiety, or something more?
You’re not alone in that wondering, and the truth is, it can take some sorting out. But when we can name what’s happening more clearly, we can respond more effectively. That’s what this post is all about.
Anxiety vs. OCD: What’s the Core Difference?
Let’s start with anxiety.
Anxiety is a normal, natural, and adaptive emotion. It’s designed to help us detect and respond to threats. If a bear walked into the room, an appropriate response would include anxiety, elevated heart rate, alertness, and an urge to get to safety.
But what happens when the “bear” is a math test? Or a weird thought? Or the possibility of saying something awkward in class? The anxiety system still kicks on… but the threat isn’t dangerous. It’s just uncomfortable. That’s when anxiety stops being adaptive and starts getting in the way.
Now enter OCD.
OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, is more than worry. It involves:
Obsessions — intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that feel “stuck” or distressing
Compulsions — mental or physical actions done to neutralize the distress, prevent something bad, or feel “just right”
While anxiety might say, “What if something bad happens?”
OCD says, “If I don’t do this exact thing, something bad might happen—and it’ll be my fault.”
And that’s the key difference: anxiety is about fearing discomfort. OCD is about needing to relieve it—urgently, specifically, and repeatedly.
What If It’s Both?
So many people experience both, and it makes sense why.
At The LiveWell Collective, McKenna Davis, LMHC, NCC, often tells kids and teens:
“OCD and anxiety are like best friends. They hang out a lot. But we can learn how to take care of both.”
Kids with OCD often meet criteria for an anxiety disorder, and vice versa. The same sensitivity to discomfort, fear of uncertainty, and need for control can fuel both conditions. That’s why it’s not about “picking the right label",” it’s about understanding how the thoughts and behaviors function.
A Note to Parents (and Over-thinkers)
If you’re stuck trying to figure out which one it is, here are some helpful questions to gently guide your curiosity:
Is there a loop — a repetitive behavior or thought that comes back again and again?
Does the distress feel stuck even when logic says things are “fine”?
Is your child asking for reassurance but not feeling better when they get it?
Does your child avoid people, places, or activities not because they dislike them, but because something feels scary or “off”?
Is there a strong urge to “undo,” “fix,” “check,” or “make sure” over and over?
Do they know the thought doesn’t make sense but feel like they have to act on it anyway?
If you answered yes to several, OCD may be part of the picture.
When in Doubt, Get Curious—Not Certain
We live in a world that loves quick answers. But OCD and anxiety often require slower ones.
Rather than seeking perfect clarity, focus on building skills like:
Emotion regulation: learning to ride the wave instead of fighting it
Distress tolerance: sitting with discomfort without needing to fix it
Cognitive flexibility: noticing patterns and challenging unhelpful thoughts
Communication skills: naming what’s going on without shame
As Lexi Patel, LCSW, one of our clinicians at The LiveWell Collective, puts it:
“It’s so easy to get stuck in the loop of worry and what-ifs. My goal is to help kids and families learn how to notice those patterns, and build the skills to face them with confidence instead of fear.”
Final Thought: Words Matter
Getting the language right isn’t about labels per say. It’s about getting away from confusion and from the cycle of guessing and Googling.
Whether you say:
“That sounds like your OCD talking.”
“This is a hard anxiety moment.”
“Let’s name the thought and take a brave step anyway.”
You’re helping your child (or yourself) build awareness, confidence, and calm.
Looking for a Quick-Glance Comparison?
We’ve created a free, printable resource to help you quickly spot the differences (and overlaps) between anxiety and OCD. It’s perfect for parents, teachers, and providers who want a clear, accessible reference.
Ready to Learn Even More or Get Personalized Support?
At The LiveWell Collective, we specialize in evidence-based therapy for OCD, anxiety, and related concerns in kids, teens, and young adults.
Whether you're trying to figure out what's going on, or ready to take the next step in treatment, we’re here to help!
More Helpful Resources
International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) – Excellent resources on subtypes, treatment, and support
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) – Information on anxiety disorders and co-occurring conditions
Our blog post on Why Not All Anxiety Therapy Is Created Equal
