What are Co-occurring disorders?

We’ve found that people who have eating disorders have typically experienced trauma, a distressing experience such as sexual assault, the death of a loved one, or a serious injury. They often also suffer from depression, anxiety, self-injuring behavior, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many also have issues with substance abuse. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse found that:

• Half of all people with eating disorders abuse drugs or alcohol, compared with 9% of the general population, according to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA).
• Up to 35% of people who abuse drugs or alcohol have an eating disorder, compared with 3% of the general population (CASA).

Given the frequency of co-occurring disorders, it’s not surprising that individuals with eating disorders and other psychiatric disorders or addictions have much in common, including similar brain chemistries and environmental experiences such as trauma, physical or sexual abuse, and low self-esteem.

Co-occurring disorders are complex and require an integrated approach, and although they may involve frequent setbacks, there is hope. Treatment that addresses both the eating disorder and other conditions concurrently is often recommended.

Diagnosis of co-occurring disorders

Despite the frequency of co-occurring disorders, many hospitals or clinics admit patients for one, often overlooking others. One reason co-occurring disorders are commonly overlooked can be that individuals diagnosed with addiction or an eating disorder typically are sent to a facility specializing in that condition. Facilities that treat addiction don’t often treat eating disorders and vice versa.