Mental diagnosis can be difficult, in part because the differences between individuals’ internal experiences can seem quite nuanced. Per community request, here are some of the key differences between OCD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
| OCD | General Anxiety |
| Characterized by compulsive or ritualistic responses to… | Compulsive, ritualistic coping mechanisms are not typical. |
| neutralize, erase, replace, or stop… | Characterized by worrisome attempts to problem-solve in multiple areas of life. |
| unwanted and repetitive thoughts, images, and doubts (aka: obsessions) | accompanied by physical symptoms. |
| which are often hypothetical or unrealistic in nature. | Worries focus on relatively realistic negative outcomes. |