Anorexia And Ocd

Studies which have been conducted show that "OCD" or "obsessive-compulsive disorder" is more commonly seen in patients with anorexia nervosa than in the general population and that anorexia nervosa is also seen more commonly in patients with OCD using this same comparison.

Individuals with anorexia have obsessive behaviors when it comes to food in order to lose weight even after their weight has dropped to dangerous levels. Individuals with OCD have obsessive thoughts which lead them to compulsive or ritualistic behaviors which they perform even when they interfere with their normal daily life. Independent research conducted has shown that approximately forty percent of individuals with an eating disorder also have signs or symptoms of OCD.

The Control over Food

Many individuals who have anorexia developed this eating disorder after they were diagnosed with OCD. The obsessive thoughts with OCD are repetitive and recurring which can include a variety of fears. These fears lead them to their compulsive behavior in order to alleviate the thoughts which can temporarily make them go away.

When an individual has OCD these compulsive thoughts can lead them to obsess over or control the foods they eat as well as maintain an excessive exercise routine. This exercise routine must be done in exact amounts and at the exact same time everyday.

They will count calories in all foods which they eat and measure them precisely as well cut them or shape them into the exact portion size. When these obsessive thoughts or compulsions are combined with a desire to lose weight this often times leads to the disorder of anorexia.

The Links between OCD and Anorexia

In both OCD and eating disorders the individuals are typically perfectionists and over achievers and must have some type of control in their lives. Typically they find this control in orderliness and cleanliness and sometimes in controlling the foods which they eat.

It is believed that a chemical imbalance of serotonin in the brain is linked to OCD and this imbalance is also found in patients with an eating disorder. It is essential that individuals with OCD are aware of the potential for becoming anorexic through there compulsions so they can take the precautions and learn to recognize any of the signs which may lead to an eating disorder  so they can get help if necessary.