Are Eating Disorders a Type of Anxiety Disorder?

One common feature that is observed in most of the patients that suffer from an eating disorder (ED) regardless of the exact diagnosis is excessive anxiety. In Anorexia Nervosa (AN) anxiety is related mainly with perfectionism and the accompanying high self-expectations that the individual has. At the onset of the disorder these expectations are associated primarily with school/university or athletic performance. 

 

Anxiety Disorder

The development of the anorectic symptomatology is usually accompanied with a narrowing of the perfectionism-related anxiety to concerns regarding the body weight/shape as well as the daily caloric intake and the AN “ultimate” goal of rapid weight loss. In Bulimia Nervosa (BN) anxiety is related mainly with low self-esteem and ineffectiveness to retain control over food consumption and body weight. Read more>>>>>>>>>>>