Effective assessment is crucial in treating patients with comorbid OCD and EDs. It is important for providers to create comprehensive treatment plans by combining current empirical evidence, their own clinical judgment, and the patient’s willingness to participate in interventions. The success of this process largely depends on the thoroughness of the initial assessment and ongoing follow-up. There is no established treatment manual or approach for addressing both disorders, so a comprehensive approach that combines current empirical evidence, clinical judgment, and the patient’s willingness to participate in interventions is needed. Medical stability is of utmost importance when treating individuals with EDs. Identifying the chief complaint can be difficult due to the overlap of symptoms, and understanding the timeline of symptoms and data from assessment measures is useful, but understanding the specific rituals, rules, and avoided stimuli is the true key to identifying which disorder should be targeted more.

After gathering important information during the assessment process, clinicians can begin working with their patients to collaboratively develop a conceptualization of the patient’s disorder. This early phase of treatment provides an opportunity for clinicians to educate patients about their disorders, including the complex nature of comorbid OCD and EDs, and obtain informed consent for treatment. Informed consent is essential as it ensures that patients understand the treatment options, their potential risks and benefits, and the uncertainty surrounding the best course of treatment for this comorbidity. A functional analysis, which assesses the purpose and function of the patient’s behaviors, can provide valuable data for creating a treatment plan. By understanding the root and function of the patient’s behaviors, it will be possible to prioritize treatment and develop a promising treatment plan. Additionally, it is crucial for clinicians to assess the impact of malnutrition or weight loss on the patient, as this will inform treatment planning and may affect the course of treatment.