This episode of "Behind the Bite" explores the overlap between eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Dr. Cristina Castagnini interviews Allyson Ford, a therapist specializing in both disorders with personal experience. Ford shares her journey with orthorexia and anorexia as a teenager, which later led to the realization of underlying OCD tendencies. The discussion covers the similarities between OCD and eating disorders, such as intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, and emphasizes the importance of screening for OCD in eating disorder treatment. Ford and Castagnini delve into examples of OCD and eating disorder behaviors, the role of compulsions, core fears, and the amount of time these thoughts and behaviors consume. The episode aims to shed light on the often-overlooked connection between eating disorders and OCD, providing insights and potential "light bulb" moments for listeners who may be questioning whether their behaviors are crossing the line into something more serious.

Allyson Inez Ford, LPCC is a licensed mental health therapist specializing in Eating Disorders and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. She has extensive experience working with adults and adolescents in individual, group, and family therapy at various levels of care. In addition to her professional training, Allyson has lived experience with Eating Disorders and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, which fuels her passion for this work. Her work is strongly informed by a liberatory and anti-oppression perspective. Allyson has a special interest in working with folks who carry multiple marginalized identities due to her own intersectionality of being multiracial, neurodivergent and pansexual. Allyson owns a private practice, has a podcast and provides social media advocacy and education. Allyson often engages in leading various trainings to providers as well as 1-1 consultation for complex clinical cases.  

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Overlap Between Eating Disorders and OCD: The episode explores the often-overlooked connection between eating disorders and OCD, highlighting how they can reinforce each other.
  • Personal Experiences: Allyson Ford shares her personal journey with both eating disorders and OCD, providing insights grounded in clinical expertise and lived experience.
  • Intrusive Thoughts and Compulsions: The discussion delves into the patterns of intrusive thoughts and compulsions in both OCD and eating disorders, explaining how they manifest and impact daily life.
  • Screening for OCD: Ford advocates for screening eating disorder patients for OCD, emphasizing its potential to improve recovery outcomes and prevent more terminal cases.
  • Core Fears: The episode explores the underlying core fears, such as aloneness and unlovability, that drive both OCD and eating disorder behaviors.
  • Time Consumption: The conversation touches on how much time OCD and eating disorder thoughts and behaviors can consume, often dominating a significant portion of waking hours.

IMPORTANT TIMECODES FROM THE EPISODE:

  • 00:00 Introduction to Behind the Bite
  • 00:55 Personal Journey and Professional Expertise
  • 01:12 Exploring the Intersection of Eating Disorders and OCD
  • 02:19 Allyson Ford's Story and Insights
  • 06:05 Understanding OCD and Its Impact
  • 08:52 Personal Experiences with OCD
  • 16:46 Identifying and Addressing Intrusive Thoughts
  • 27:41 The Role of Medication in Treatment
  • 33:46 Final Thoughts and Resources

HOW TO CONNECT WITH ALLYSON TO LEARN MORE:

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Part of the Los Angeles Tribune Podcast Network, produced by the Tweaky Tales.

**Disclaimer:**

This podcast is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject matter covered. It is given with the understanding that neither the host, the publisher, nor the guests are rendering legal, clinical, or other professional information. If you want or need a professional, you should find one to work with who can address your individual needs and situation.