Can Eating Disorders Cause Depression? How To Get Help
A lot of people think that depression and eating disorders are two separate things. However, the reality is that they’re often intertwined. Studies have shown that up to 75% of people with anorexia or bulimia also suffer from a mood disorder like major depressive disorder (MDD). While it’s not always clear which came first, depression can worsen existing eating disorders and vice versa.
Read on to learn how these two issues are connected and how to get help.
What Is Depression?
Depression can be challenging to explain as it is not always an easily visible ailment. To put it simply, depression is a mental health disorder that affects the way people think, feel, and perceive themselves and the world around them.
Due to its severity, it can prevent people from enjoying daily activities or even going about their usual routine. At its worst, MDD causes feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness to creep in, which can understandably lead to withdrawn behavior and thoughts of suicide.
Various factors, including genetics and environmental stressors, can cause mental disorders such as depression. It is important to note that diet and eating habits can also play a large role.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Having major depressive disorder is more than just feeling sad or down. Symptoms that indicate depression can include:
Feeling generally anxious, hopeless, or worthless
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Changes in sleeping and eating habits
Difficulty concentrating
Thoughts of suicide or death
Having a hard time making decisions or carrying out day-to-day tasks
Restlessness
Anxiety
Physical aches and pains
Depression does not always look the same for everyone — some people may exhibit more physical signs, while others can become withdrawn and socially isolated. With the complexity of the disorder, it’s not always easy to spot.
Different Types of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are mental illnesses that involve unhealthy behaviors around food and weight. Common types of eating disorders include the following.
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa, or simply anorexia, is an eating disorder commonly characterized by extreme dieting and other unhealthy weight-control behaviors. People struggling with this condition often restrict the amount of food they consume, exercise excessively, obsessively monitor the food they eat, or self-induce vomiting after meals. Unfortunately, not only does this type of behavior come with physical risks, but it can also seriously affect their mental health.
Individuals suffering from anorexia may experience depression, anxiety, guilt, and shame from a fear of being overweight.
Symptoms of anorexia include:
Sudden weight loss
Intense fear of gaining weight
Body image distortion
Obsession with food and calories
Irregular menstrual cycle (in women)
Insomnia
Hair thinning or loss
Brittle fingernails
Dry skin
Low blood pressure
Recent research confirms a strong connection between anorexia and depression, proving that the two can frequently co-occur. Depression can cause you to eat less, which often leads to unintentional weight loss and, eventually, anorexia.
Moreover, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) demonstrates that individuals who suffer from anorexia or depression are more susceptible to suicide.
A 2019 survey also illustrated that close to 25% of individuals who experienced anorexia made at least one suicide attempt. Moreover, when those with eating disorders fight depression, the prospects for suicidal ideation and behaviors become more likely.
Bulimia
Individuals with bulimia struggle with a cycle of consuming excessive amounts of food, followed by trying to get rid of the food through purging or other compensatory behaviors.
The physical and emotional effects are severe, including gastrointestinal issues, decay and erosion of teeth, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, heart problems due to vomiting, low self-esteem, and extreme guilt.
People with bulimia also struggle with depression, as the behavior is commonly used to cope with negative feelings. The disorder is characterized by a lack of impulse control, anxiety, and shame that can stem from body image issues or traumatic experiences.
A study of people living with bulimia showed that those at a healthy weight were distressingly likely to have depression and suicidal thoughts, with nearly 60% having experienced major depressive episodes. Even more concerningly, this number was even higher among anorexic bulimics: over 80%.
It also revealed that almost 80% of those with bulimia also suffered from depression.
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder (BED) is a severe mental health disorder. It causes those affected to have a severe inability to control their eating, leading to episodes of intense overeating in a short amount of time.
An estimated 2.8 million people are affected by binge eating disorders. It is notable for being the most common eating disorder among adults.
The cause is usually attributed to poor self-esteem and negative body image, depression or anxiety, stress, trauma, and even genetics. Binge eating disorder symptoms include:
Feeling no control over your eating habits
Feeling overwhelming shame and guilt after eating
Recurrent episodes of binging while feeling remarkably out of control
Frequently consuming unusually large amounts of food when not physically hungry
Eating fast or consuming more than what is considered a standard portion size
Eating until feeling uncomfortably full
Many of those struggling with this eating disorder also face a mood disorder such as depression. Some people turn to binging to try and cover up their negative and dispiriting emotions. Since depressive disorders like MDD induce feelings of worthlessness and low self-esteem, it’s not unusual for those battling depression to turn to food as a coping mechanism.
Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders
Other specified feeding and eating disorders (OSFED) is an umbrella term encompassing many different disorders, such as binge-eating disorder, night eating syndrome, purging disorder, and rumination disorder.
For example, atypical anorexia nervosa is a form of OSFED with the same symptoms as anorexia, except individuals are not below the normal weight range. Other subtypes include purging disorder, where vomiting or laxative abuse occurs to lose weight or control shape, and night eating syndrome, where nighttime binging is the primary issue.
OSFED can cause extreme distress and interfere with many aspects of a person’s life, so it is vital to recognize the signs and get help. Characterized by food cravings, disordered eating patterns, and extreme guilt around food, OSFED can disrupt sleep patterns, social relationships, and even physical health in severe cases. Because these diagnoses may be overlooked or misunderstood, people suffering from OSFED may not get the treatment they need.
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a relatively unheard-of but severe eating disorder. ARFID can cause sufferers to feel a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms after consuming certain foods, resulting in extreme weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.
Its onset can often be sudden, and the anxiety many people with ARFID feel about stepping away from their safe foods can be very distressing.
Symptoms of ARFID can be physical, such as nausea and vomiting, or psychological, such as anxiety and fear. Because of these symptoms, many people with this disorder become extremely limited in the types of food they will eat.
ARFID commonly coincides with mental health issues such as anxiety, OCD, and autism spectrum conditions. Research has demonstrated that approximately 75% of those living with ARFID also have an associated psychological disorder and 20% are diagnosed on the autism spectrum.
Other disorders, such as pica and rumination disorder, are two further examples of eating disorders, although not as common. Pica is an eating disorder associated with consuming non-food items like paper and dirt. Rumination disorder involves the repetitive regurgitation and rechewing of food after it has been swallowed.
Possible Treatments for Eating Disorders and Depression
As society has become increasingly conscious of mental health, we are fueled by a passion for locating treatments for eating and depression disorders. Ensuring people can access proper diagnoses and treatments for these problematic illnesses is paramount in helping them work through their issues.
Eating disorders and depression have physiological, psychological, and social causes, which makes it harder for individuals to be accurately diagnosed. However, medical treatments are available such as nutritionally balanced diets, taking medications that can help with neurotransmitters and serotonin production, therapy from trained professionals to address the underlying trauma or discomfort associated with the problems they face, and much more. These treatments may not be a direct cure, but they’re very helpful in putting a patient on the right path towards recovery.
Below are possible treatments for eating disorders and depression.
Medications
Treating eating disorders can be exceedingly complex. One way to manage them is to use medications that can help to restore weight, reduce compulsive behavior and alleviate depression, anxiety, and other issues.
These medications are vital tools on the road to recovery. Additionally, they can also improve mental well-being, which is important since many eating disorders significantly affect mental health. Over time, these treatments give those affected much-needed support while they battle their condition.
Therapy
Numerous types of therapy are available to help treat eating disorders and depression. Here are the most commonly used therapies:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Drawing on the concept that our thoughts, feelings, and actions are all intertwined, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) works to transform negative thinking styles and behaviors into more positive ones. By utilizing CBT techniques such as self-reflection exercises and mindfulness practices, people with eating disorders can find healthier ways to navigate their emotions constructively.
Family therapy: Family therapy is an excellent option for those with an eating disorder and whose family members unknowingly or knowingly contribute to their condition. Through family therapy, all parties involved can learn how to better support their loved one in recovery and provide a compassionate, non-judgmental understanding to encourage healing.
Group therapy: Group therapy sessions provide a safe, supportive space for people with eating disorders to share their experiences. Because this type of therapy involves talking and listening to others who are going through the same struggles, it can be quite beneficial in helping them work on themselves.
Nutrition Education
Since eating disorders are primarily rooted in a distorted relationship with food, nutrition education is a critical component of treatment. It focuses on teaching individuals how to view food objectively and can help them develop healthier eating habits.
Nutrition professionals can guide proper nutrition and teach clients how to read labels, manage portion sizes, and create balanced meals. Other ways to support nutritional health include weekly meal plans, regular check-ins with a dietitian, and cooking classes.
Hospitalization or Residential Treatment
When someone suffers from an eating disorder, the most profound and potentially life-saving approach could involve hospitalization or residential treatment. This type of setting allows for specially designed therapeutic intervention that meets each individual’s needs.
This specialized care includes intensive therapy sessions, permanently staffed inpatient care facilities, and comprehensive medical supervision over meals and activities. These combined measures can help battle the serious health concerns of eating disorders.
Those with co-occurring disorders such as depression and bulimia may also benefit from a residential treatment center where they can learn how to manage their symptoms effectively.
No matter the severity of your condition, there are treatments available that can help you recover. With the right approach and support, you can progress toward your goals and live without an eating disorder or depression.
Alternative Treatments
Alternative treatments are steadily rising, especially among those battling an eating disorder. In addition to traditional forms of treatment, such as speaking with a doctor or counselor and learning about good nutrition, numerous alternative paths are available.
For example, yoga and meditation greatly benefit your physical and mental well-being. Art therapy is another creative way to explore your feelings. Exercise tailored to targeting internal health can also be very helpful for improving overall fitness. Acupuncture shows up in ways to manage pain and energy levels in the body. Plus, of course, adding nutritional supplements can work wonders in upping your energy reserves and helping you get back on track!
These work well when combined with traditional treatments and can provide multiple layers of healing for those struggling with an eating and mental disorder.
Final Thoughts
This relationship between depression and eating disorders can seriously affect individuals’ mental and physical health. If you or someone you know is struggling with either issue, speaking to a professional is crucial to ensure that both problems are addressed. Treating one without considering the other could mean inadequate help and longer recovery times.
The first step to healing is reaching out and seeking support. Every path to recovery looks different, but it’s vital to fully understand how depression can influence eating disorders if these issues are present in your life. With a bit of assistance, you can reclaim autonomy over your life and create meaningful modifications to improve your overall well-being.