Typology of obsessive-compulsive symptoms in children and adolescents with anorexia nervosa.
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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Hirani
V
V
Ellern Mede Centre for Eating Disorders, London, UK.
Serpell
L
L
Willoughby
K
K
Neiderman
M
M
Lask
B
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D002648:Child; D003192:Compulsive Behavior / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009770:Obsessive Behavior / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales