Abstract
Aim: Numerous studies have now shown that those with eating disorders have statistically higher rates of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, much less is known about the eating behaviours of adults with OCD. This scoping review aimed to identify and synthesize the existing literature that describes pathological eating behaviours in adults with OCD and/or obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms.
Method: The databases PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and PsychNet databases were searched according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
Results: Fifty-nine studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. There was a high occurrence of eating disorders identified in both adults with a diagnosis of OCD and in those with elevated OC symptoms. The literature appears undecided as to which of the eating disorders were more likely to frequently occur. Further, it was noted that a number of adults with OCD and those with elevated OC symptoms showed high levels of eating behaviours that fall below clinical thresholds, including behaviours synonymous with avoidant-restrictive intake disorder and orthorexia nervosa.
Conclusions: Future research needs to identify underlying factors for these problematic eating behaviours in OCD in order to adapt current treatment modalities to meet this groups’ needs. Addressing particular subsets of adults with OCD and/or OC symptoms, such as those with co-occurring anxiety and mood disorders, may be key to understanding those who are most at risk.
Method: The databases PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and PsychNet databases were searched according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
Results: Fifty-nine studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. There was a high occurrence of eating disorders identified in both adults with a diagnosis of OCD and in those with elevated OC symptoms. The literature appears undecided as to which of the eating disorders were more likely to frequently occur. Further, it was noted that a number of adults with OCD and those with elevated OC symptoms showed high levels of eating behaviours that fall below clinical thresholds, including behaviours synonymous with avoidant-restrictive intake disorder and orthorexia nervosa.
Conclusions: Future research needs to identify underlying factors for these problematic eating behaviours in OCD in order to adapt current treatment modalities to meet this groups’ needs. Addressing particular subsets of adults with OCD and/or OC symptoms, such as those with co-occurring anxiety and mood disorders, may be key to understanding those who are most at risk.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | European Eating Disorders Review |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 24 Dec 2025 |