Bipolar Disorder & Eating Disorders

Mood can have an impact on health and eating habits. Some people turn to or away from food when suffering from stress, depression, or other emotional distresses. Research has shown a relationship between bipolar disorders and eating disorders.

Significance

• The Journal of Psychiatric Research reported that a study conducted by Dr. Carla Ramaccotti at the University of Pisa showed a direct correlation between bipolar illness and eating disorders. The study found that eating disorders are a common occurrence in people with bipolar disorders.

Types

• Bipolar disorders can cause a person to become obese. Susan McElroy MD, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine found that bipolar disorders had the highest correlation with obesity of all psychiatric disorders.

Considerations

• There is a high probability that eating disorders co-exist with bipolar disorders. In some cases the eating disorder is secondary to bipolar and vice versa. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia and obesity can all be linked with bipolar disorders.

Effects

• People with both eating and bipolar disorders often suffer from many of the same symptoms. These include low self esteem, addictions and negative ways of dealing with daily life situations.

Warning

• Both bipolar disorders and eating disorders can lead to destructive and obsessive behavior and thoughts. The longer a person suffers with a disorder, the longer anxiety, depression, negativity, and destructive carriage may manifest.

Prevention/Solution

• A proper diagnosis by a trained medical professional is imperative. Treatment of the primary cause will also treat the accompanying cause.