Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
2 nd International Congress of Multidisciplinary Hygiene Research (ICOMHRE), Kocaeli, Türkiye, 2 - 04 Ekim 2025, ss.63, (Özet Bildiri)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive, recurrent thoughts (obsessions)
that cause marked anxiety and by repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce this
anxiety. Contamination and hygiene-related obsessions are among the most common subtypes.
When these obsessions involve food, they may lead to severe dietary restrictions, medical
complications, and social isolation. We present the case of a 67-year-old woman with lifelong food
hygiene-related obsessions dating back to childhood. She believed that food was “dirty,” that each
item had to be washed individually and, if necessary, soaked in vinegar, and that others could not
prepare meals hygienically. Consequently, she avoided eating in restaurants or cafes, refrained from
ordering food from outside, refused hospital meals, and arranged for food from her home during
hospital stays. She was hospitalized in the endocrinology department for hyperglycemia and referred
to psychiatry for hyperphagia assessment. Observations by the treatment team and other caregivers
prompted a detailed history, revealing persistent obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Due
to limited insight, she considered these behaviors normal and had never sought psychiatric care.
Fluoxetine 20 mg/day was initiated, psychoeducation provided, and follow-up arranged. Literature
shows that diagnosis in food hygiene-related OCD is often delayed, may be mistaken for other
conditions, and can result in serious complications from dietary restriction. This case underscores
that in patients with limited insight, thorough history-taking, attentive observation, and a
multidisciplinary approach are essential for timely diagnosis and for preventing physical health
deterioration, complications, and social isolation.