Ep 285 The Hidden Link Between OCD and Eating Disorders With Expert Dana Colthart
From Behind The Bite by Cristina Castagnini
May 7, 2026 · 46 min · Episode 285
About this episode
Dr. Cristina Castagnini discusses the connection between OCD and eating disorders with expert Dana Colthart.
In this insightful episode, Dr. Cristina Castagnini sits down with psychotherapist Dana Colthart to explore the frequently overlooked connection between Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and eating disorders. While many view eating disorders as being strictly about food or willpower, Dana highlights how underlying traits like perfectionism, rigidity, and "black and white" thinking create a perfect storm for disordered eating. Listeners will learn how eating disorder behaviors often serve as a coping mechanism for OCD-related distress and why traditional talk therapy might not be enough without the inclusion of specialized exposure work. Whether you're a professional or someone on a personal recovery journey, this episode offers a roadmap for rewiring the brain’s fear response to find true freedom from rituals and rules. SHOW NOTES: Click here Follow me on Instagram @behind_the_bite_podcast Visit the website: www.behindthebitepodcast.com
People in this episode
Host: Cristina Castagnini
Guest: Dana Colthart
Topics covered
- OCD
- eating disorders
- mental health
- psychotherapy
- coping mechanisms
- perfectionism
Keywords
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- eating disorders
- perfectionism
- rigidity
- black and white thinking
- coping mechanisms
- exposure work
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Behind The Bite, Instagram, www.behindthebitepodcast.com
More episodes of Behind The Bite
- Ep 289 From Anonymous to Advocate: Michelle Rogers' Inspiring Story of Body Acceptance, Recovery, and Community · June 4, 2026 · 46 min
- Ep 288 She Recovered From an Eating Disorder — Then Became a Radio City Rockette With Alli Bollinger · May 28, 2026 · 38 min
- Ep 287 No Food Rules… But Then What? With Colleen Christensen · May 21, 2026 · 44 min
- Ep 286 From Anorexia and Addiction to Hope and Recovery With Katie Kiliszewsk · May 14, 2026 · 48 min
- Ep 284 She Was Told Her Anorexia Was “Chronic” — Here’s What Happened Next With Heidi McLachlan · April 30, 2026 · 45 min
- Ep 283 Medication in Treatment: An Open Discussion With Dr. Peyman Tashkandi · April 23, 2026 · 48 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Behind The Bite podcast page.