How are anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder related?

Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are closely linked, as anxiety acts as a perpetuating factor in OCD symptoms. The obsessions generated by OCD cause distress and guilt, which translates into a significant increase in anxiety. This, in turn, fuels the cycle of obsessions and compulsions.

Compulsions, which are rituals or repetitive behaviors, attempt to reduce anxiety, but only temporarily. As soon as the obsessions reappear, the anxiety returns, restarting the cycle and reinforcing the disorder. This negative cycle causes OCD and anxiety to perpetuate each other, complicating the spontaneous resolution of the disorder.