Depression and Eating Disorders: The Connection Explained
Weight changes, fatigue and insomnia can be common signs of both depression and eating disorders. So, how can you figure out what’s causing your symptoms? Studies show that many individuals with eating disorders also experience depression, so it might be both – it’s important to get a comprehensive assessment to understand the exact support you need. Evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, and ACT are proven to treat both depression and eating disorders, and early intervention is critical.
Excerpt from Eating Recovery Center:
A primary feature of major depressive disorder is a period of two weeks during which there is either depressed mood most of the day nearly every day or loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities.
With depression, someone may exhibit signs of sadness and withdrawal that are more noticeable to those in their close circle, while eating disorders are what Steven F. Crawford, MD, medical director at Eating Recovery Center, refers to as “illnesses of secrets.” He explains, “A lot of times the individual has worked hard to not disclose what’s going on.” Dr. Crawford says that it is important not to take a “wait and see approach” before seeking treatment for these individuals because research has shown that people do much better with early intervention.