It is not unusual for you to also have another mental health issue, includingobsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD).
OCD is a condition that causes obsessions (recurrent thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors).
This article discusses the connection between obsessive-compulsive disorder and eating disorders.
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It also explores how having one condition can affect the diagnosis and treatment of the other.
For example, they may engage inexcessive exerciseor repetitive calorie counting.
People with eating disorders can have symptoms that are very similar to symptoms of OCD.
They may also perform ritualistic behaviors such as body checking and frequent weighing.
With an eating disorder, the thoughts and behaviors help to maintain the condition and align with the disorder.
Eating disorders carry a high risk for impairment and an increased risk of dying.
To make a diagnosis, a healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam and psychological evaluation.
They may also order additional medical tests to evaluate health and check for complications.
Fortunately, there are effective treatments for both eating disorders and OCD.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is typically treated by medication and psychotherapy.
Eating disorder treatmentsare complex and focus on medical stabilization, nutritional therapy, cognitive-behavioral interventions, and other psychotherapies.
Medications
Antidepressants and antipsychotics can be helpful in the treatment of OCD.
Medications are sometimes prescribed to treat symptoms of co-occurring anxiety or depression in eating disorders.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an important part of treatment for both OCD and eating disorders.
Two that are commonly utilized are cognitive-behavior therapy and exposure and response prevention.
This is similar to what many people go through in treating and recovering from their eating disorders.
For example, someone with anorexia or bulimia experiences a great deal of anxiety when they eat a meal.
A combined protocol for a comorbid eating disorder and OCD should include exposure and response prevention.
Research has shown that support groups can help improve social support, coping skills, and psychiatric symptoms.
Summary
Eating disorders and OCD share similar symptoms, including obsessions and compulsions.
These conditions can also co-occur, complicating the diagnosis and treatment process.
Effective treatments are available, but it is essential to get an accurate diagnosis to treat each condition appropriately.
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Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Pub; 2013.
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New York, NY: Guilford Press.
