According to the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV" obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD, involves repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety caused by recurrent thoughts or images. This condition is not caused by potassium deficiency. As of 2011, there are no peer-reviewed, evidence-based studies suggesting the two are related. However, there are disorders that can involve a potassium deficiency which have an OCD component.
Potassium Deficiency
Potassium deficiency deficiency is called hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is almost never caused by lack of dietary potassium because almost every food contains at least some potassium. Even tap water has potassium. The only people who lack potassium for dietary reasons are those who are starving or people with anorexia.
Anorexia
The University of Maryland Medical Center states that up to two-thirds of people with anorexia have OCD. The "New York Times Health Guide" confirms this, noting that poeple with OCD are at high risk for anorexia. These people may have compulsive behaviors about food, such as cutting it into tiny pieces or eating alone. While neither the OCD nor anorexia are caused by a potassium deficiency, anorectics are at risk for potassium deficiency.
Hypokalemia
The balance of potassium on either side of the cell membrane is critical for normal functioning of the nervous system. Nerves do not necessarily fire reliably in patients with hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can cause seizures and serious heart problems if not treated. Anorexics are often given intravenous fluids that contain potassium to prevent these problems.
Risk Factors
Female athletes may be at a higher risk for both OCD and anorexia. The "New York Times Health Guide" notes that the perfectionism found in athletes and the intense focus on diet are also characteristics of anorexics, which places female athletes at a higher risk for both OCD and anorexia. Female athletes are more vulerable to this. While male athletes have comparable pressures, they are more likely to return to normal eating habits once competition ends.
References
- The University of Maryland Medical Center: Anorexia Nervosa
- "Journal of Athletic Training"; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Anorexia Nervosa; R.L. Gee, et. al.; 1999
- "Clinical Psychological Review"; Anorexia Nervosa: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?; L. Serpell, et al.; June 2002
- "Psychiatric Clinics in North America"; Personality Disorders in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; L, Baer et al.; December 1992
- The New York Times Health Guide: Anorexia
- Brown University: DSM IV Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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