This discussion between Dr. Sachs and Dr. McGrath will teach clinicians how to identify and address the complex interplay between ADHD, emotional dysregulation, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)—a challenging but increasingly common comorbidity in neurodiverse populations.

Through a detailed exploration of executive functioning, rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), and emotional regulation challenges, clinicians will gain insight into how ADHD symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, and procrastination can overlap with or mask OCD presentations. The course emphasizes how these overlapping symptoms can affect diagnosis, treatment planning, and the delivery of evidence-based interventions like exposure and response prevention (ERP).

Participants will also learn practical adaptations for therapy, including strategies to support executive functioning and emotional regulation in clients with co-occurring ADHD and OCD. This course integrates current research, clinical expertise, and psychoeducation approaches to promote accurate diagnosis and more effective, compassionate care.

1. Differentiate between overlapping symptoms of ADHD and OCD, including how inattention, impulsivity, and hyperfocus can mimic or mask obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

2. Describe the role of emotional dysregulation and rejection sensitive dysphoria in individuals with ADHD and how these can exacerbate OCD-related distress and treatment barriers.

3. Apply integrated clinical strategies to support executive functioning, emotional regulation, and engagement in ERP for clients with co-occurring ADHD and OCD.