Background: Previous studies have shown that symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder are common in both adults and children and adolescents with anorexia nervosa. Until now, no study has explored the specific obsessive compulsive symptoms shown in children and adolescents with AN.
Method: In this study we report types of symptoms displayed by young people with AN and explore similarities and differences with adults with AN and with people with OCD.
Results: Common obsessions concerned contamination, aggressive and somatic concerns, and common compulsions were related to ordering/arranging, and checking.
Conclusion: It is important for clinicians to be aware of the obsessions and compulsions they are most likely to encounter when working with these patients. If missed or ignored, such symptoms may interact with eating disorder symptoms and impede treatment.