Eating Disorders and Suicide
by Kevin Caruso
A study reported in the Journal of Eating Disorders in March 2004 indicates that
women with eating disorders (like anorexia, bulimia, or overeating) who attempted suicide usually were suffering from depression before the onset of their eating disorder.
67% of the patients with an eating disorder and a history of suicide attempts suffered from depression before the onset of the eating disorder, and only 3% of the patients with an eating disorder and no history of suicide attempts suffered from depression before the onset of the eating disorder.
The study thus indicates that the eating disorder may be secondary to depressive illness for those who
have been or are suicial.
Some past research, which did not include suicidal individuals, has indicated the opposite -- depression occurred as a consequence of the eating order. And this still is probably the case for non-suicidal patients.
Additionally, women in the suicidal group had a higher rate of anxiety disorders.
Women with eating disorders and a history of depression are at a high risk for suicide and need to be closely monitored.
If you have an eating disorder, you need to get help. Listed below are some numbers that you can call.
Please get help now.
National Eating Disorders Association
603 Stewart Street, Suite 803
Seattle, WA 98101-1264
Ph. (206) 382-3587
Fax (206) 829-8501
Toll-Free Information & Referral Helpline 1-800-931-2237
Website: NationalEatingDisorders.org
E-mail: info@nationaleatingdisorders.org
Bulimia Hotline
24 hours crisis line
314-588-1683
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa
and Associated Disorders (ANAD)
Referrals to treatment and general information
847-831-3438
The Renfrew Center
Referrals to eating disorder specialists
Toll Free -- 1-800-RENFREW (1-800-736-3739)
Hours -- Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm, Eastern time
Rader Programs
Referrals to dating disorder specialists
Toll Free -- 1-800-841-1515
Overeaters Anonymous
Referrals to local chapters and general information
505-891-2664
If you or someone you know is suicidal, please go to the Home Page of this website for immediate help.
Thank you.
I love you.
Take care,
Kevin Caruso
