Eating disorders rarely occur in isolation.
Many individuals struggling with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, or ARFID also face other mental health conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and substance use disorders. When these conditions co-occur, they can intensify each other, making treatment more complex but also critical.
Eating Disorder Treatment Centers (EDTC) specializes in treating eating disorders alongside co-occurring mental health conditions. Our integrated approach ensures that we address both the root causes and emotional struggles behind disordered eating, leading to long-term healing and sustainable recovery.
If eating feels overwhelming, help is available. At Eating Disorder Treatment Centers (EDTC), we offer specialized care to help individuals expand their food choices, reduce anxiety around meals, and restore balance to their eating habits and overall well-being.
What are Co-Occurring Conditions?
A co-occurring disorder (also known as a dual diagnosis) refers to the presence of both an eating disorder and another mental health condition at the same time. These disorders are often interconnected, with one contributing to the other.
For example:
- A person with PTSD may use disordered eating as a way to manage trauma-related distress.
- Someone struggling with depression may binge eat as a form of emotional escape.
- An individual with OCD may develop rigid food rituals or compulsive exercise habits.
- Substance use disorders can occur when a person turns to alcohol or drugs to cope with anxiety, stress, or body image concerns.
Treating both the eating disorder and the co-occurring condition is essential for sustaining recovery, making comprehensive, dual-disorder-focused care necessary.
Common Co-Occurring Disorders with Eating Disorders
Anxiety
Eating disorders frequently coexist with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, and panic disorders. Many individuals develop disordered eating behaviors as a means of coping with overwhelming fear, stress, or worry.
Connections Between Anxiety and Eating Disorders:
- Avoiding certain foods due to fear or anxiety
- Intense worry about food, weight, or eating in front of others
- Panic attacks triggered by food or body image concerns
Depression
Many individuals with eating disorders often experience ongoing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness. Engaging in restrictive eating, binge eating, and purging behaviors can contribute to and result from depression, creating a challenging cycle that's hard to break.
Depression and Eating Disorders:
- Loss of interest in food or eating
- Using food for comfort or emotional escape
- Feeling hopeless about recovery or self-worth
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Trauma
Unresolved trauma, such as childhood abuse, assault, or military combat experiences, can increase the risk of developing disordered eating behaviors as a coping mechanism. For trauma survivors, behaviors such as food restriction, binge eating, or purging may provide a sense of control or emotional numbing.
Co-Occurring PTSD and Eating Disorders:
- Using food to suppress traumatic memories or emotions.
- Feeling disconnected from the body or struggling with body image issues after
- experiencing trauma.
- Avoiding food or eating due to past traumatic experiences.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
People with OCD may develop food-related compulsions, rigid eating rituals, or obsessive thoughts about body image. Eating disorders and OCD often share perfectionistic thinking, extreme control behaviors, and deep-rooted fears of not being "good enough."
Connections Between OCD and Eating Disorders:
- Ritualistic eating patterns or obsessive calorie counting
- Fear of contamination or strict food rules
- Intense guilt if food-related routines are disrupted
Substance Use Disorders
Some individuals use alcohol or drugs to cope with disordered eating, body image issues, or emotional pain. Others may develop eating disorders due to addiction. It's important to treat both conditions together, as addressing one without the other can lead to relapse.
Co-Occurring Substance Use and Eating Disorders:
- Using substances to suppress appetite or manage food-related stress
- Binge eating while intoxicated
- Alternating between food restriction and substance use to cope with emotions
If you're noticing these symptoms, know that you’re not alone. Early intervention can help you find real recovery that lasts. Call 985-261-3382 to speak with our caring specialists today.
In addition to the conditions listed above, we also provide comprehensive dual-diagnosis treatment for disordered eating and:
- Bipolar Disorder
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Self-Harm Behaviors
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
- Perfectionism and Low Self-Esteem
- Emotional Dysregulation
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Stress-Related Disorders
At EDTC, we recognize that every individual's experience is unique, which is why every care plan is personalized treatment to address both eating disorders and co-occurring mental health concerns.
Comprehensive Addiction Treatment with Longbranch Recovery
Frequently Asked Questions About Co-Occurring Disorders & Eating Disorders
Do I need to treat my mental health condition before my eating disorder?
Can anxiety, depression, or trauma cause an eating disorder?
What if I’ve tried treatment before and it didn’t work?
Can I get treatment if I have an addiction and an eating disorder?
How do I know if I need treatment?
How We Treat Co-Occurring Conditions at EDTC
At EDTC, we recognize that full recovery means addressing both the eating disorder and any underlying mental health conditions. Our comprehensive, integrated treatment model ensures that individuals receive the specialized care they need for both conditions.
Our Unique Treatment Approach
Personalized Clinical Care
One-on-one therapy using CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed care to address both eating disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Nutritional & Medical Support
Helping individuals restore a balanced diet while managing mental health symptoms.
Family & Relationship Therapy
Therapeutic programming and education for loved ones.
Mindfulness & Stress Management
Incorporating yoga, movement therapy, and meditation for emotional regulation.
Coordinated Care
Seamless communication with other healthcare providers to support long-term healing.
Take a step toward full healing. Call EDTC.
We believe that true recovery means treating the whole person, not just one condition at a time. Reach out today to learn how we tailor care to your unique needs and goals.