Is It OCD or an Eating Disorder? What Parents Need to Know
July 17, 2025
As a parent, noticing alarming behaviors around food or routines in your child can raise some important questions. You might be asking yourself, “Is this an eating disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or something else entirely?” Understanding the signs and differences between these disorders is key to getting your child effective, timely treatment.
In this blog, we’ll break down the overlap between OCD and eating disorders, what signs to watch for, and how to get professional help. If you're a parent wondering “Is my child’s eating disorder actually OCD?” or “OCD vs eating disorder in teens,” know that you’re not alone and you’re in the right place to find specialized care for your child.
What Is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where unwanted thoughts (obsessions) cause anxiety, leading to repetitive behaviors (compulsions) intended to ease that anxiety. OCD can be focused on any subject. Common obsessions include contamination, perfectionism, scrupulosity, and harm, but sometimes, the content of obsessions can be focused on food, body image, or weight.
What Is an Eating Disorder?
Eating disorders, like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) involve disturbed eating behaviors and intense concerns about body weight or shape. These conditions go beyond dieting or “picky eating” and can become life-threatening without professional intervention.
The Overlap: Why It Can Be Confusing
OCD and eating disorders often share similar symptoms:
- Ritualistic eating (e.g., needing to eat foods in a certain order or at a certain time)
- Rigid rules about food (like only eating certain food groups or certain amounts of food)
- Excessive checking (like weighing food or body or repeated checking of expiration dates or thorough cooking)
- Avoidance behaviors (like avoiding carbs, fats, or other food groups or avoiding places or objects that can trigger obsessions)
- Distress when routines are disrupted (either around mealtimes or exercise routines)
So, How Can You Tell the Difference?
Use the following chart to compare and contrast symptoms of OCD and eating disorders.
Signs Your Child May Be Struggling
Look for these warning signs of OCD or an eating disorder in children and teens:
- Refusal to eat certain foods for unclear reasons
- Rigid rituals during mealtimes
- Extreme anxiety about weight gain—even if underweight
- Repeated checking of body or mirror
- Preoccupation with "safe" or "clean" foods
- Withdrawal from social situations involving food
If these behaviors are increasing in frequency or interfering with daily life, it’s time to seek help.
Can a Child Have Both OCD and an Eating Disorder?
Yes, co-occurring OCD and eating disorders are more common than you might think. Studies show that up to 60% of people with anorexia nervosa also experience symptoms of OCD. When both conditions are present, treatment not only becomes more complex, but also more urgent.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Whether your child has OCD, an eating disorder, or both, early diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes significantly. These are not “phases” or “habits to outgrow”, they are serious mental health conditions that deserve expert care.
How Thrive Wellness Can Help
At Thrive Wellness, we specialize in treating OCD in both teens and children, as well as eating disorders in adolescents and teens. Our integrated, evidence-based approach supports the whole child with compassion, expertise, and personalized care.
We understand how complex these disorders can be, but we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
When to Contact a Mental Health Professional
If you’re asking yourself:
- “Is my child’s food fear OCD or an eating disorder?”
- “Why is my teen obsessed with clean eating?”
- “Should I worry about my child’s eating rituals?”
It might be time to look for professional help. Additionally, if your child’s behaviors around food or routine are interfering with their ability to move through their everyday lives, it’s time to look into specialized treatment. Accommodating your child’s disorder is not only exhausting- it makes the behaviors more ingrained, intensifying them. But with early intervention and dedicated care, recovery is possible- don’t wait to reach out.
Contact Thrive Wellness for a confidential consultation with our compassionate admissions team. Whether it’s OCD, an eating disorder, or something else, we’ll provide your child with an expert diagnosis and create a clear path towards recovery.
How school breaks can mask or amplify eating disorders, anxiety, and OCD symptoms and how to intervene
Coming out is a deeply personal, courageous, and in many cases, life-changing act. Whether you're sharing your sexual orientation or gender identity, coming out is about embracing authenticity and sharing an essential part of who you are. During the process of coming out, prioritizing your mental health at every stage is crucial. In this blog, we'll discuss insights and strategies to support your mental health before, during, and after coming out. Wherever you are in your journey, know that your experience is valid and you are not alone. Understanding the Mental Impact of Coming Out Coming out can bring about a lot of big feelings, including fear, relief, joy, anxiety, grief, and hope, sometimes all at once. Know that heightened emotions during this time are completely normal. Sharing such an integral part of yourself with the world can feel intense, but even with the ups and downs, being authentically you is worth it. Because LGBTQIA+ individuals face added mental health burdens due to stigma and discrimination, taking care of yourself during this time is more important than ever. You might experience increased anxiety, mental exhaustion, or avoidance ahead of coming out, so don’t be afraid to reach out for support. At its core, coming out is about authentic self-expression and showing your truest self, which can feel both exciting and scary at the same time . The self-acceptance and community gained from coming out is a vital part of finding long-term strength and joy. Still, it’s okay if you feel uncertain or conflicted, and these feelings are just part of the process. Before Coming Out: Emotional Preparation Coming out starts with reflection. Remember that there’s no rush when it comes to figuring out who you are. It’s okay to take time to understand your identity and what coming out might mean for you. Here are a few questions to consider: What do I hope to gain by coming out? Who feels emotionally safe to talk to? What are my fears, and how can I manage them? Mental wellness tips before coming out: Journaling can help you better understand your feelings and fears and explore different ways to share your truth. Talking through your feelings and different scenarios with a therapist , especially one who is LGBTQIA+ affirming, can help you to feel more supported and ready to come out. Practice grounding techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or visualization to ease anxiety ahead of sharing your identity. Helpful resources for coming out include: Trevor Project Lifeline (1-866-488-7386) TrevorSpace (an online community for LGBTQIA+ youth) OurCenter (a local community center for the LGBTQIA+ community in Reno) During the Coming Out Process: Staying Grounded The act of coming out can feel intimidating, as you’re sharing such a vital part of who you are. You might experience fear, panic, or doubt. While these feelings are real, know that you don’t have to navigate them alone. Tips for emotional resilience: Practice conversations ahead of time with a therapist or supportive friend so you feel ready when the time comes to share. Choose a time and place where you feel safe and in control. Use affirming statements, like, “I deserve to be loved for who I am.” Coping with negative responses: Set emotional boundaries with people who aren’t supportive. Create an emotional safety plan: know who you can call, where you can go, and what can help soothe you in moments of distress. After Coming Out: Processing and Healing Coming out, no matter how it went, deserves to be celebrated. An act of strength and authenticity like coming out is no small feat, so be proud of yourself for sharing who you are. Even so, the emotional aftermath can be complicated. You might feel joy and empowerment or loss and grief, especially if relationships shift. Healing strategies: Acknowledge your courage . 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Whether you're preparing to come out, in the midst of sharing your truth, or processing what came after, know that you are worthy of love, safety, and joy. Your truth is worth celebrating, today and everyday! For support during the coming out process and beyond, reach out to our team of affirming, inclusive, and compassionate mental and physical health care providers. We're here for you.
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Taking action for yourself not only improves your overall well-being but also helps prevent existing or potential issues from becoming more severe. When you prioritize your mental health, you’ll feel a greater sense of happiness and productivity, paving the way for stronger relationships and a fuller, more enjoyable life. Focusing on your mental health is not just about problem-solving, but about living in a balanced and fulfilling way that supports your overall well-being and ability to thrive. 10 Effective Activities for Improving Your Mental Health It’s essential to have a repertoire of activities on hand that can boost your mental health. Simple activities like sleeping enough, meditating, spending time with a friend, or seeing a therapist can have huge impacts on your overall mental wellness. Prioritizing your mental health doesn’t have to be complicated or difficult, it’s just about doing activities that make you feel joyful, relaxed, or energized, fueling a better outlook on life overall. Here are 10 activities you can do today to help your brain and body to feel their best: 1. Mindful Practices Practicing mindfulness is a simple yet impactful step you can take in improving and protecting your mental health. Mindfulness practices include activities like meditating and mindful breathing to calm the mind and reconnect with the body. Meditation and breathing exercises are shown to reduce stress, improve focus, and grow your self-awareness. For more breathing exercises for anxiety relief, download our free guide “Breathe Easy” . 2. Eating Intuitively Eating intuitively is a powerful way to boost your energy and mood and reduce stress around food, helping to improve your overall mental health. 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Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emotional distress that interfere with your daily life are clear indicators for seeking professional help. If your coping mechanisms and self-care activities fail to alleviate your mental health concerns, reaching out can offer valuable support and interventions. Nurturing Your Mental Well-being Through Action Investing time and effort in your mental health can make positive differences in your everyday life. By understanding the importance of mental health practices and incorporating proactive strategies, you lay the groundwork for feeling better and staying mentally strong over time. Whether through improved sleep hygiene, mindful practices, or seeking professional help when needed, these efforts can bring more joy, emotional stability, and peace into your life. Make these activities a regular part of your day with a focus on self-growth, and you'll be on your way to a healthier mind and a fuller life.
