Eating Disorders Ties to Mental Health

Bulimia is closely linked to mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and OCD. Things like emotional distress, low self-esteem, and difficulty managing stress often contributes to the development of the disorder. Many individuals use these irregular eating patterns as a way to cope with negative emotions or a perceived lack of control. These behaviors have to be occurring once a week for three months for it to be diagnosed formally. 

Rumination might be less known compared to anorexia or bulimia, but it is remains crucial to highlight it's significance. It's imperative to note that rumination alongside other eating disorders may accompany mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression, a common factor between all of the eating disorders.

People with ARFID may suffer from fear of eating or the consequences of eating (e.g. vomiting, choking, etc.). Because of this, they may experience elevated levels of anxiety when it comes to food.

Very similar to other eating disorders, people who suffer from OSFED (e.g. atypical anorexia nervosa or purging disorder) may experience episodes of anxiety. Because it is a broader category compared to the others, the mental health ties are on a case-to-case basis.

While SEED may not be a formal eating disorder diagnosis, it certainly has mental health ties. People who have been categorized to suffer from SEED have been suffering from eating disorders for a long period of time. The time alone managing and attempting to cope with their eating disorder can cause episodes of anxiety, depression, and even cause stronger distorted views regarding their body or their food.