Reply To: Eating Disorders Co Mordbid with Anxiety Disorders

mytake:

“You’re saying that eating disorders don’t have to be stress related, but the three women I know who suffered from Anorexia, all had to (eventually) deal with the stress that their doctors/therapists believed to be the culprit.”

– An ED can develop from many different things, granted stressful/harmful situations is probably the forefront of reasons. Enmeshed families, impossible high standards, & genetics can all play a role in the development of an ED.

“It’s also interesting to note that two of these women had OCD as well, which I believe is also caused by anxiety.”

-Good Point. According to the literature I’ve read, Anorexia and OCD are closely related due to perfectionist expectations & high harm avoidance.

What I found interesting was that PTSD was not generally related to Anorexia, but rather to Bulimia. I would have though that the ‘out of control’ feelings that victims of PTSD feel would lead to needing control (Anorexia). A professional in the field explained to me that the need to purge the pain and memories can lead to the Bulimia.

“…but the three women I know who suffered from Anorexia”

-Refuah Shliemah to them and all others who are suffering such pain.