OCD, Neurodivergence, and Defence

23 April 2025

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often misunderstood in the defence context. It’s not just about handwashing or perfectionism. OCD is a serious mental health condition driven by intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours that can severely impact quality of life. And it doesn’t exist in a vacuum.

OCD frequently overlaps with other forms of neurodivergence, especially autism and ADHD. These conditions share traits like rigid thinking, hyperfocus, sensory sensitivity, and struggles with executive function. Many people who meet the criteria for one also meet the criteria for another. What’s more, emerging data and lived experience suggest that autism and ADHD may also be significantly overrepresented in military populations.

According to research from the United States, the structure, routine, and high-stimulation environments of military service can initially suit neurodivergent individuals. The clear expectations and repetition can be a relief from the ambiguity of civilian life. But once that structure is removed, especially during the transition out of service, the coping mechanisms many have relied on fall apart. This is when many undiagnosed or unsupported neurodivergent veterans begin to struggle in earnest.

And yet, Defence policy doesn’t reflect this reality.

Autism and ADHD are rarely acknowledged, and almost never meaningfully supported during or after service. OCD, similarly, is reduced to outdated stereotypes or dismissed as a minor anxiety issue. This lack of recognition and understanding leaves veterans isolated, misdiagnosed, and without appropriate care.

You can’t support people if you don’t understand what they are experiencing. And the consequences of not understanding are serious. The ex-serving community continues to face alarming rates of homelessness, mental ill health and suicide. If we are overlooking key aspects of who is serving, particularly those whose brains are wired differently, we are failing them.

Defence needs to shift how it views neurodivergence. Neurodivergence isn’t a liability to be screened out, but a reality to be acknowledged and supported throughout service and the strengths of neurodivergent people optimised. Proper screening, flexible supports, neurodivergent-informed mental health care, and tailored transition services shouldn’t be optional.

Take a look at OCD WA’s instagram post for more information about OCD.

Michelle Saleeba Psychology
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