Eating disorders often start from a desire to shed some unwanted pounds and/or to eat better or healthier. Unfortunately, in some, that sincere desire goes wrong in the form of bulimia, anorexia nervosa, binge eating, or some other eating disorder.

It’s not clear why only certain individuals are at risk for these types of eating disorders. But according to a 2008 study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 24% of bipolar patients met the criteria for eating disorders with an estimated 44% having trouble controlling their eating.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease reported that as many as half of all patients diagnosed with binge eating disorders have a history of depression. Binge eating alone affects an estimated 3% of all adults living in the United States.

For the many suffering from another well-known eating disorder, anorexia, they also suffer from depression. These individuals do not eat enough to maintain a healthy weight which in turn may and often does cause serious complications. Studies have shown that these individuals suffering from anorexia are at least 50 times more likely to commit suicide than those who don’t.

The Link Between Eating Disorders and Depression

There is a chance that depression can lead to an eating disorder, but it’s been documented that eating disorders have resulted in a degree of depression. “Being severely underweight and malnourished, which is common in anorexia, can cause physiological changes that are known to negatively affect mood states,” says Lisa Lilenfeld, PhD, associate professor of psychology at Argosy University, who specializes in eating disorders.

Many people who develop an eating disorder somehow feel that no matter what they do, they are not as good as others, or look as good as others. The need and want to be perfect which in turns towards what they are eating. The problem is that there is usually an underlying issue like anxiety or depression. It’s not uncommon to find that most of these individuals have suffered from some sort of emotional trauma.

Those who suffer from binge eating are usually obese or overweight which can lead to severe depression because they don’t like the way they look. So, they binge in response to the feelings, and then usually feel guilty about the binging which in turn deepens the depression.

In order to properly diagnose depression as being part of a particular eating disorder, doctors use a battery of unique questions that will ask the individual about things such as:

– Feeling sad or unhappy
– Loss of sex drive
– Loss of interest in activities that they once enjoyed
– Decreased appetite
– Increased anger or temper
– Problems sleeping

A diagnosis of depression is considered to be easily treated, however, effectively treating depression in combination with an eating disorder can be more difficult and quite a challenge.

Although the road may be difficult, it is not impossible, however, the dropout rate of patients in adequate programs is unfortunately very high. The first step is to locate a psychologist or psychiatrist who has extensive training and experience with both depression and eating disorders. The rest is up to the patient.

Author Bio: I write for TIR Massage Stone about hot stone massage and massage stone therapy including hot and cold applications.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: eating disorder,anorexia,depression,binge eating