Eating Disorders May Be Linked to Suicidal Behavior

The numbers of women engaging in eating disorders show startling statistics about many are trying to change their body image.

According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, 86 percent of women report the onset of an eating disorder by age 20. In turn, 43 percent report the same onset as early as 16 or 20.

A recent study shows that eating disorders may also be linked to suicidal behaviors. According to a study on African American girls, by Dr. Rashelle Musci and colleagues from the Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University in the U.S., those who experience depressive and anxious symptoms are often dissatisfied with their outward physical appearance and more likely to display signs of a binge eating disorder. Musci believes that instead of seeking help, many of these patients internalize their problems and might look to suicide as an answer.

Researchers investigated how depressive and anxious symptoms may be precursors to binge eating behaviors and suicidal outcomes in 313 black females from the ages of approximately 6 to 17 years old followed over an 11 year period. Teacher, parent and child interviews were conducted  in order to thoroughly examine levels of anxiety, depression, satisfaction and physical appearance. Eating behaviors, particularly binge eating, was also examined.

Many participants displayed dissatisfaction with their physical appearance, which showed greater levels of depression, according to the study.

The authors concluded the follow, via a press release: "The relationships found in this study offer prevention scientists a unique opportunity to target individuals at high risk of psychiatric problems by intervening in the case of binge eating problems. Our results also support the importance of developing prevention programs that are culturally relevant to individuals."

More information regarding the study can be found in the journal Prevention Science.