Managing Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) & Panic Disorder (PD) in Young Adults

For young adults living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or panic disorder (PD), it can feel overwhelming on a daily basis. But what happens when the two intersect? To support young adults and their families navigating one or both of these diagnoses, we sat down with The Dorm’s expert clinicians, our Director of Admissions and Anna Bergson, Lead Senior Therapist to explore the nuanced relationship between OCD and panic disorder, and to discuss the most effective, evidenced-based approaches to treatment.

Key Article Takeaways

Differences and intersections between OCD & Panic Disorder: what you need to know

OCD and panic disorder (PD) are distinct forms of anxiety disorders, with the key difference being their patterns. A single panic attack can arise during intense anxiety, but recurring attacks are central to a PD diagnosis. In contrast, OCD is marked by a persistent cycle of intrusive thoughts, obsessions, and compulsive behaviors intended to relieve them—often spiraling into overwhelming panic.

Yet while OCD and panic disorder (PD) are distinctive diagnoses, they frequently overlap in young people, especially when OCD begins to trigger recurrent panic. 

“We often see young adult clients with OCD who struggle with panic episodes,” our Director of Admissions explains. “For example, someone with OCD may feel intense panic when unable to perform a compulsion. Airports are a common trigger—being in a controlled environment where they can’t leave may stop them from completing a ritual that typically eases their anxiety. This sense of being trapped can quickly escalate into a panic attack.”

Anna Bergson expands on this, noting that compulsions aren’t always physical. “Mental compulsions, like rumination, can lead someone to a ‘point of no return,’ where they’re unable to break free from negative thought loops, ultimately triggering a panic attack.”

She adds that OCD can make individuals hyper-aware of their bodily functions—like their breathing or heart rate—causing them to fixate on these sensations. This hyperfixation can alter breathing patterns or escalate into panic if they perceive even a slight change, such as feeling their heartbeat. There are even some cases where individuals develop what we call ‘meta OCD’ or ‘meta anxiety,’ where they experience anticipatory anxiety about when the next wave of anxiety or compulsions will strike.”

In both cases, PD and OCD are incredibly time-consuming affecting all areas of life with a substantial impact on day-to-day functioning and prolonged distress. 

The best treatment options for OCD & Panic Disorder

Research has clearly shown that certain diagnoses respond best to specific treatment interventions. 

The gold standard for OCD treatment, as an example, is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a core therapeutic modality offered at The Dorm. This evidence-based approach focuses on breaking the cycle of compulsions and avoidance by exposing individuals to anxiety-provoking stimuli while preventing the compulsive response. For example, a person might touch a garbage can (exposure) and then resist the urge to wash their hands (response), learning that they can tolerate the anxiety without performing the compulsion. Since compulsions fuel the persistence of OCD and strengthen obsessions, ERP is highly effective in disrupting this cycle. In fact, some research shows that ERP alone is significantly more effective than medication alone, and equally as effective as a combination of medication and ERP.  Our Director of Admissions emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between OCD and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), as the treatment approaches for each differ. “A personality disorder like OCD might be treated with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), while OCD is more effectively addressed with exposure therapy,” they explain. This differentiation is crucial for ensuring clients receive the right therapeutic interventions.

“Overall, The Dorm’s in-person and flexible treatment model makes ERP particularly effective for our clients,” our Director of Admissions explains. “A clinical coach can help plan exposures and accompany clients through them early on, allowing them to process and apply skills in real-time with support. Stepping outside the clinician’s office and into real-world settings accelerates the hands-on work, enabling clients to refine their skills more quickly in the everyday environment.”

While there is no single treatment for PD, research literature indicates that a combination of therapy— like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)— and pharmacological interventions are most effective. ERP can also prove useful in cases where it is important to challenge avoidance. For example, if panic attacks are triggered in crowds, it’s a good treatment opportunity for a client to practice going to crowded places.

For both OCD and PD, medication management and mindfulness practices are often important components of a successful and well-rounded treatment plan. 

“While behavioral change is essential, some individuals may also require pharmacological support to aid recovery and symptom management,” Anna explains. She also highlights the value of mindfulness practices for nearly every client. “Focusing on the present moment can be incredibly helpful for managing panic attacks and obsessive thoughts. Though it’s uncomfortable to sit with these feelings, doing so teaches individuals that they will pass—they’re not permanent. Since both OCD and panic disorder are ego-dystonic, meaning the symptoms conflict with a person’s values and identity, mindfulness helps individuals reconnect with what truly matters to them and recognize their symptoms as separate from who they are.”

More on how we treat and support young adults with OCD and/or PD at The Dorm

At The Dorm, our clinicians not only receive specialized OCD training, but robust Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and (CBT) training, to be able to identify and treat OCD and related disorders properly. While this is of great value for the therapeutic experience, our clients also participate in a number of clinical groups and intentional clinical community experiences.

These include:

OCD Group

This group functions as both a process and skills group, integrating exposure and response prevention (ERP). Each week, clients set a goal to challenge their OCD, discuss their expectations and anxiety, and then debrief on their progress the following session. When clients struggle to meet their goals, the group provides a supportive, non-judgmental space for reflection and growth. “For some clients, panic disorder and OCD can become so overwhelming that they feel like they’d rather die,” Anna explains. “It can feel more terrifying to resist a compulsion than to live with the disorder, which is why repeated exposure is crucial for recovery.”

DBT Group

This group is an evidence-based, cognitive behavioral treatment following Marsha Linnehan’s standard DBT curriculum that focuses on a step-by-step format to teach four sets of skills: mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation and distress tolerance. DBT is shown to be effective for anxiety disorders, including OCD and PD.

CBT Group

This psychoeducational, skills-based group focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, offering effective support for both PD and OCD. Clients begin by building awareness of their thought and behavioral patterns, learning to identify maladaptive thinking and behavior while exploring the underlying beliefs that drive them. Through weekly handouts and homework, they are taught to modify dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors, replacing them with more adaptive responses to solve current challenges.

Mindfulness Group

This group helps clients to foster mindfulness and focus on the present moment. Research shows that mindfulness is a great addition to traditional therapeutic modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy and ERP.

Meditation Group

This group is an opportunity for clients to practice meditation together in a safe and supportive environment. Research shows that meditation and medication may be more effective as a treatment for OCD, together, than medication alone.

Community Clubhouse

Our clinicians explain that OCD compulsions are often accompanied by feelings of shame and embarrassment, which can make the experience isolating. However, meeting others who share the diagnosis can significantly reduce distress by helping individuals realize they are not alone. “It’s not uncommon to see OCD in college students,” they note. “Since we work with many clients aged 18-30, a large portion of whom are university students, we encounter a lot of OCD cases. Our Clubhouse spaces, along with our active social groups and activities, provide opportunities for clients to connect with others in natural, supportive ways.”

In conclusion, as our clinicians emphasized, reducing shame and stigma is critical in treating OCD and PD. Providing clients with opportunities to engage openly with peers is essential—not just for the treatment process, but for building self-esteem and fostering the understanding that they are more than their diagnosis. At The Dorm, we are committed to offering the best in evidence-based treatment, balanced with the power of community as a vital part of the healing journey. 

Thank you to our clinicians for their valuable contributions. 

The Dorm offers intensive outpatient support for young adults in New York City and Washington, D.C. For more information on treatment services visit here.

OCD Treatment and Panic Disorder Treatment in New York City

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