Individuals with anxiety disorders, including obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), may be at increased risk for eating disorders. According to a new study presented this week at the Royal College of Psychiatrists' 2009 Annual Meeting in England, approximately one in five people with OCD may also suffer from disordered eating. In addition, one in three individuals suffering from other kinds of anxiety disorders may have disordered eating.

Dr Lynne Drummond, a consultant psychiatrist at South West London and St George's NHS Mental Health Trust, conducted the study by collecting data from a sample of patients with severe OCD who were referred to a specialist unit for treatment. Dr. Drummond commented on the findings, saying: "Although there have been several studies examining the prevalence of OCD and obsessive symptoms in patients with eating disorders, there is a dearth of studies where patients with OCD and other anxiety disorders are examined for eating disorders. This study suggests that clinicians should be made aware of the high prevalence of disordered eating in patients with all anxiety disorders as well as OCD."

(Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com)

Labels: eating disorder, anxiety disorders

Posted By: Aspen Education Group