How is anxiety associated with Anorexia Nervosa?

A Quick Guide

Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder that can be potentially life-threatening. It is characterized by severely restricted food intake, an abnormally low body weight, a distorted perception of the body, and intense fear of gaining weight. Studies show that there is a link between anxiety and anorexia nervosa which we will be discussing in this article. Often the recovery period for anorexia nervosa is quite long with reduced chances of a complete recovery. Though treatments that focus on modifying a person’s behavior have proved to be more successful in managing anorexia nervosa in most cases. 

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, some anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, phobias, and separation anxiety affect roughly 47.9% of people with anorexia nervosa, 80.6 % with bulimia nervosa, and 65.1% of those with BED. It is important to treat any other co-occurring disorder alongside an eating disorder for a chance of full recovery, hence, it is crucial we understand the relationship between eating disorders and anxiety disorders. 

How does anxiety contribute to Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia nervosa is frequently observed with an anxiety disorder such as Social phobia and OCD in many cases. Those with anorexia also commonly have anxiety disorders in their childhood that preceded this eating disorder. These people also have anxious personality traits such as neuroticism and hyper fixation on perfectionism. High anxiety levels and the frequent use of avoidance coping mechanisms lead to the assumption that anxiety around eating and body image is quite common and contributes to the persistence of this illness. The anxiety-centered theory of anorexia nervosa views avoidance behaviors related to food as being similar to phobic behaviors and rituals related to eating as being similar to OCD compulsions.

How do you recognize anxiety?

You can recognize anxiety with some of the signs and symptoms mentioned below: 

• Becoming easily exhausted
• Difficulty in focusing
• Excessive stress or anxiety that persists for at least six months on average regarding a variety of occasions or activities
• Feeling restless or tense or on edge
• Having trouble controlling worry
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Sleep disruption

This stress, anxiety, or physical symptoms lead to clinically severe distress or compromise social, occupational, as well as other critical areas of functioning in a person’s life.

Learn more on How To Deal With High Functioning Anxiety?

Treatment Options

A few treatment options for these co-occurring disorders include psychotherapy and medication. Typically both of these options are combined for better results. Though it is important to keep in mind that the results of treatment always depend on the motivation of the individual to get better. 

Medication

While the FDA has not approved any medication for anorexia nervosa specifically, at times anti-depressants or anti-anxiety drugs may be used. Especially if anorexia co-occurs with an anxiety disorder. This is mostly because medication has helped in the treatment of anxiety disorders. So medication can be used for a short or a long time depending on the severity of symptoms and how it is affecting a person’s life.

Psychotherapy

Therapy has proven to be most beneficial when it comes to the treatment of both disorders. Some of the most effective therapeutic approaches include the following; 

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy
• Exposure Therapy

Mostly the treatment that involves recognizing a person’s incorrect thought patterns or negative self-beliefs can go a long way in helping them overcome these disorders. 

Read: 9 Strategies To Cope With Anxiety For A Balanced & Peaceful Mind

We hope you found this article useful in understanding more about the link between anxiety disorders and anorexia nervosa along with some treatment options.