Exploring the relationship between Eating Disorders and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Psychology of Mental and Addiction, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405, The United States

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Abstract

This paper explores the intricate relationship between eating disorders (ED) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), emphasizing their shared characteristics and comorbidity. Studies were grouped into three key themes: differences and similarities between EDs and OCD, the prevalence and clinical profile of ED-OCD comorbidity, and potential links between the disorders. Findings suggest that the shared traits, such as maladaptive perfectionism, intrusive thoughts, and thought-action fusion, may serve as central mechanisms linking the two disorders. Notably, certain ED subtypes, particularly anorexia nervosa binge-eating/purging type, show elevated rates of OCD symptoms, while a subset of OCD patients also report ED symptoms. Findings highlight a reciprocal relationship that has important clinical implications. However, limitations of the reviewed studies include methodological heterogeneity, reliance on self-report data, and underrepresentation of male participants. Future research should adopt longitudinal designs and transdiagnostic approaches to better understand the temporal dynamics and shared etiological factors underlying ED-OCD comorbidity.