Obsessive compulsive disorder as a cause of atypical eating disorder: a case report

To describe a case of an atypical eating disorder with a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder and discuss the phenomenological and neurobiological aspects links between the disorders.

a 20-year-old Caucasian woman presented with obsessive-compulsive disorder followed by altered eating habits with major weight loss and amenorrhea. The medical workup, treatment and outcome are described. Using cognitive-behavioural therapy, clomipramine and enteral nutrition, weight gain and disappearance of restrictive and obsessive-compulsive behaviours were obtained.

Available evidence in the literature suggests a continuum in eating disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. Our case illustrates that an obsessive-compulsive disorder may precede or precipitate the development of an eating disorder and highlights the importance of a precise differential diagnosis in eating disorders clinics.