Comorbidity of obsessive-compulsive disorders and duration of eating disorders

Int J Eat Disord. 2002 Apr;31(3):284-9. doi: 10.1002/eat.10013.

Abstract

Objective: This study explored the comorbidity of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and eating disorders (ED) and examined the relationship between OCD comorbidity and the duration of ED. Subjects with OCD were expected to show a longer history of ED.

Method: ED females (N = 237; 84 with anorexia nervosa and 153 with bulimia nervosa) were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I disorders (SCID-1). Data were analyzed by logistic regression to determine whether OCD comorbidity is associated with duration of ED.

Results: The total sample showed a prevalence rate for OCD of 29.5%. OCD prevalence did not differ between anorexic and bulimic subjects. OCD comorbidity was significantly associated with a longer history of ED.

Conclusion: The findings of the study support previous research indicating a high comorbidity of ED with OCD. The results also suggest that OCD may play a role in the course of ED. Prospective studies are necessary to examine this hypothesis further.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age of Onset
  • Anorexia Nervosa / diagnosis
  • Anorexia Nervosa / epidemiology*
  • Bulimia / diagnosis
  • Bulimia / epidemiology*
  • Comorbidity
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / epidemiology*
  • Odds Ratio
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prognosis
  • Switzerland / epidemiology
  • Time Factors