Comorbidity

Many people who have eating disorders often have other mental health disorders.  I have seen statistics stating that 50-75% of people with EDs will struggle with depression at some point, and 2/3 of individuals with EDs struggle with anxiety of some type.  This contributes to the fact that eating disorders are complicated and truly unique.

It is important to gain a full understanding of each disorder, as well as the relationship between the various disorders specific to each person.  In some cases, the eating disorder is actually a symptom that is underlying a different primary psychological disorder.  In other instances, the eating disorder may be primary, with other mental health diagnoses secondary.  It is important to explore the relationship between the disorders, as this can help guide treatment and lead to more effective outcomes.

Beyond the Exterior

What do someone struggling with anorexia and someone struggling with binge eating disorder have in common?  To put it in society's terms, what does someone who is starving him/herself and afraid of getting fat have in common with someone who is overeating and is fat or obese? 

Is it possible that all eating disorders, regardless of how they manifest, share underlying similarities?

Eating Disorder Myths

 Eating Disorder Myths:

• You have to be emaciated to have an ED.
• In order to recover the only thing you need to do is eat.
• People with bulimia are never underweight.
• People with anorexia are always underweight.
• People with eating disorders who are overweight must have binge eating disorders.
• If your weight goes up you're getting better.
• If your weight goes down you're getting worse.
• When you reach a healthy weight you are recovered.