Is there any Link Between Anxiety Disorders and Eating Disorders?

‘’Yes, there is a strong connecting link between anxiety disorders and eating disorders. Various researchers have reported that individuals with eating disorders also suffer from at least one anxiety disorder. Disordered eating patterns are one of the common symptoms of anxiety.”

The Connection Between Anxiety Disorders and Eating Disorders 

Various recent studies have mentioned that anxiety can result in the onset of eating disorders in individuals. Likewise, if you are dealing with anxiety disorders for a longer period, then there are higher chances that you will suffer from any chronic mental illness, such as anxiety or depression. 

You must have heard this many times that a healthy mind is connected to a healthy body. Whatever you think in your mind directly affects your normal body mechanism and behavioral patterns. Those individuals who experience excessive stress are more prone to suffer from eating disorders. 

Anxiety disorders are one of the most common types of mental health disorders in the United States. Eating disorders are also common mental issues that comprise abnormal eating patterns or behaviors, which can result in the impairment of both physical and mental health. 

Every year, approximately 40 million US adults experience anxiety disorders, which include social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and specific phobias etc. Anxiety does not always occur alone, as it also co-exists with other common mental health conditions, which include eating disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

So this is a fact that ‘’ there is a major connection between anxiety disorders and eating disorders. 

High Rate of Comorbidity 

Numerous recent studies have also revealed that there is a high rate of comorbidity of anxiety disorders and eating disorders.  Individuals with eating disorders can suffer from any of the types of anxiety disorders:

• According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 81% of adults dealing with bulimia nervosa also have any one type of anxiety disorder.
• Likewise, 48% adults with anorexia nervosa also suffer from at least one co-occurring anxiety disorder.
• 69% of individuals with anorexia nervosa suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder. In addition, the prevalence of social anxiety disorder, GAD, and PTSD is 34%, 31% and 25%. 
• Furthermore, individuals suffering from other types of eating disorders, such as binge eating disorders, also have to battle with anxiety.
• Furthermore, individuals who are in the continuous phase of stress, anxiety, or depression are at a higher risk of developing eating disorders. The difference only lies in their onset, as some develop during that depressive phase, while some experience eating disorders later in life. 
• Both anxiety disorders and eating disorders can elevate each other due to their reciprocal relationship. For example, the presence of anxiety can result in eating disorders, and disordered eating patterns can also worsen the symptoms of anxiety. 

Alterations in Eating Patterns as Coping Mechanisms

Most individuals start disordered eating patterns as a coping mechanism to deal with their stress and anxiety. However, in reality, this thing can also worsen their stress and anxiety. Restricting or limiting food intake directly affects mental health.

Onset of Eating Disorders 

Eating disorders usually develop during adolescence as teens start noticing their physical appearance. They overestimate their body size and shape and try to find their personality flaws. Due to their fear of social rejection, they delve into the phase of anxiety. Likewise, their stress and anxiety also become a major reason for their disordered eating patterns or eating abnormalities. 

Furthermore, the onset of binge eating disorder is more common in those adults who consider overeating as a means to reduce their stress and anxiety. Consuming large quantities of food gives them short-term relief from their anxiety, but in the long run, it damages both their physical and mental health. 

What are the Common Signs or Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders and Eating Disorders?

The following are the common signs of anxiety disorders and eating disorders in individuals:

What Are The Main Causes of Anxiety Disorders And Eating Disorders?

There is not a single cause of anxiety disorders and eating disorders, as there are several factors that combine and result in both mental issues: anxiety disorders and eating disorders.

Main Causes of Anxiety Disorder

• Genetic predisposition
• Imbalance in Neurotransmitters 
• Chronic stress
• Medical issues or side effects of medications 
• Previous life traumatic issues 

Main Causes of Eating Disorders

• Genetics
• Changes in neurotransmitter level
• Societal pressure 
• Trauma 

What is The Treatment of Anxiety Disorders and Eating Disorders?

Fortunately, both anxiety disorders and eating disorders are treatable. Due to their co-existence, treatment of both mental issues should occur together to diminish the effect of each other. 

First, mental health professionals thoroughly evaluate the mental state of individuals and then develop tailored therapeutic strategies. Experts recommend the following treatment options:

Medications

Psychiatric medications help in managing the symptoms of both anxiety disorders and eating disorders. In case of co-occurring mental conditions, experts recommend antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and anti-psychotics to manage anxiety and linked conditions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of talk therapy that is used for the treatment of all common mental health issues, which include anxiety disorders and eating disorders. Several studies have also reported the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for the treatment of each type of anxiety disorder and eating disorders. 

In cognitive behavioral therapy sessions, the main goal of experts is to first identify the negative or undesired thought patterns that can result in disordered eating patterns. 

Individual or Group Therapy

Experts also conduct both individual and group therapy sessions to assist individuals in dealing with both anxiety disorders and eating disorders. Individual group therapy sessions are effective for those individuals who do not feel comfortable in the presence of others. Likewise, in group therapy sessions, individuals dealing with the same mental issues share their issues and previous life experiences with each other and also learn from each other. However, both individual and group therapy sessions are effective for the treatment of both eating disorders and anxiety disorders.

Support Groups 

You can also join different support groups, both in-person and online, and get support and guidance to deal with both anxiety disorders and eating disorders. 

What Are The Main Tips or Coping Strategies For Both Anxiety Disorders and Eating Disorders?

By employing the following stress management or coping strategies, individuals can get rid of anxiety disorders and eating disorders:

• Positive &healthy lifestyle 
• Deep breathing
• Mindfulness techniques 

All these techniques help in experiencing mental calm and relaxation. Whenever you feel anxious or stressed about anything and also feel no urge to eat anything, then simply start practising these techniques and get rid of all your mental issues. 

Nurture Your Mental Health at Brain Power Wellness Institute!

We want to empower the mental health of each individual who is battling with any mental illness, such as anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, and ADHD, etc. At  Brain Power Wellness Institute, we have a team of skilled mental health experts who have expertise in mental health assessment and developing mental health treatment plans. They develop personalized therapeutic strategies that address the mental health needs of each individual who is battling with any mental illness.