Eating Disorders and OCD

[Listen to an audio version of this blog HERE.]

Recently, my therapist and I explored the origin of my eating disorder and the co-occurring mental health issues that I may or may not have experienced. I only recently learned that those who have eating disorders such as Anorexia, Bulimia, or Binge Eating Disorder (BED) often experience other mental health issues. These can include (but are not limited to) depression,generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Studies show that about two-thirds of people with eating disorders also suffer from an anxiety disorder, most commonly obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD. In fact, those diagnosed with eating disorders like Anorexia or Bulimia are anywhere from 11 to 69 percent likely to develop OCD. Eating disorders and anxiety disorders share traits that contribute to their development and account for the high rate of co-morbidity.

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

People who have obsessive-compulsive disorder struggle with either obsessions or compulsions, or (more commonly) both. Obsessions are frequent and recurrent thoughts or impulses that affect daily life and can sometimes be inappropriate (i.e. sexual in nature or causing self-harm). The thoughts someone with OCD…