Finding the relationship between eating disorders, depression, and anxiety

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People with eating disorders are at an increased risk for developing or being diagnosed with other mental illnesses. Depression tops the list with a 70% lifetime prevalence in people with eating disorders. Further, research suggests that eating disorders and anxiety disorders have more than a 60% rate in common.

In addition to people with eating disorders experiencing heightened anxiety around food and weight, studies show they also have increased rates of social anxiety, OCD, panic disorder, and trauma. Plus, research clearly indicates that co-occurring depression or anxiety can act as a barrier to someone receiving the expected amount of benefit from eating disorders treatment.

Treating co-occurring disorders with an eating disorder

It can actually be very difficult to treat certain co-occurring illnesses unless the eating disorder is also being addressed, says Mia Nunez, PhD, clinical supervisor, Eating Disorder Recovery adolescent residential care.

“It can be difficult to recover from a depressive episode if co-occurring eating disorder symptoms are not addressed as well,” Dr. Nunez says. “However, treating an eating disorder can result in a reduction of depressive symptoms even without targeted intervention specifically for depression. Ideally we would of course still want to treat both concurrently.”

Unlike depression, anxiety disorders have been found to often pre-date the onset of eating disorder symptoms, and unless directly addressed, will typically remain post-treatment.

“Treatment that simultaneously addresses both eating disorder and anxiety disorder symptoms is the preferred approach,” Dr. Nunez adds.

Developing a unique treatment plan in eating disorder care that addresses co-occurring disorders is a key component of Rogers’ evidence-based, therapeutic approach. For optimal results, the care is then delivered by a multidisciplinary team of professionals. See eating disorders outcomes here.

Eating disorder treatment at Rogers

Rogers offers inpatient, residential, and outpatient care for children, adolescents, and adults with eating disorders and many co-occurring disorders. For more information on our eating disorder care, visit here, or call 800-767-4411 for a free, confidential screening.