Eating Disorders and Adjustment Disorders
Adjustment disorders are conditions that can arise during stressful situations in your life. The symptoms manifest differently for many individuals, depending on the event severity that caused the disorder. Although adjustment disorders are treatable, there is a possible link between how they impact those who struggle with an eating disorder.
By: Regina Colie
For those already struggling with eating disorders, these responses can potentially exacerbate their symptoms. This complex interplay can make the recovery journey more challenging, emphasizing the importance of an integrated approach to treatment that addresses both the adjustment disorder and the eating disorder concurrently.
What Is An Adjustment Disorder?
Stressful events in a person’s life can cause adjustment disorder. Some examples of stressful events include the death of a loved one, relationship or work issues, getting married, and having a child. Some symptoms of adjustment disorder can include: feeling sad, hopeless, or not enjoying things you used to enjoy, frequent crying, trouble sleeping, lack of appetite, feeling overwhelmed, and difficulty functioning in daily activities. Adjustment disorder typically appears in children and adolescents but can also be diagnosed in adults. It is important to note that a medical professional must diagnose adjustment disorder. Talk with your treatment team if you believe you may be experiencing symptoms related to adjustment disorder.
Are Eating Disorders And Adjustment Disorder Linked?
While the research connecting these two disorders is limited, there is a possible link between them. When an individual experiences adjustment disorder, the impact of a stressful event may cause changes in their sleeping and eating patterns. An eating disorder could develop during this adjustment period. According to an article on Jessie’s Legacy, "Eating and feeding disorder behaviors often develop when life challenges, or struggles exceed a person's ability to cope. During this time, feelings of stress and anxiety are common.”
Navigating Eating Disorders And Adjustment Disorders
The intricate relationship between eating disorders and adjustment disorders underscores the complex nature of mental health. Stressful events and transitions in life can trigger adjustment disorders, which, in turn, can intensify eating disorder symptoms, creating a challenging cycle to break. Understanding this link is vital, as it highlights the necessity for comprehensive, personalized treatment approaches that address both disorders concurrently.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Support, understanding, and professional help are available to navigate these complexities. Recognizing the connection between these two disorders is the first step toward healing, empowerment, and recovery. Reach out, seek help, and remember, every step you take towards understanding and addressing your mental health is a step towards a more balanced life.
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, our compassionate, highly skilled team of clinicians is trained to diagnose and treat the spectrum of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, compulsive overeating, and other disordered eating and body image issues. In addition to our full-time Day Treatment Program and Weeknight Intensive Outpatient Program, we offer individualized nutrition counseling with a licensed dietitian, meal support with a licensed dietitian, and a variety of other groups and resources to assist those seeking help for food concerns.
Our admissions team would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our programs and services. Book a free consultation call below with our admissions team below, or read more about our philosophy here.
This post was written by BALANCE Blog Contributor, Regina Colie (she/her).
Regina Colie is currently pursuing her Masters in General Psychology at The New School For Social Research. She is interested in working with women who have eating disorders and postpartum depression. Upon her graduation from Marymount Manhattan College, she had the opportunity to be published in Dr. Nava Silton’s book, The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Child, Adolescent, and Adult Development. Her previous work has been featured in Project HEAL, BALANCE, Olive Branch Nutrition, and Nourishing NY.
References
Adjustment disorders - Symptoms and causes. (2022, December 13). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adjustment-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20355224
Adjustment Disorder: What Is It, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment. (n.d.). ClevelandClinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21760-adjustment-disorder
The Overlap Between Anxiety and Eating Disorders – Jessie’s Legacy. (n.d.). https://jessieslegacy.com/resources-and-information/the-overlap-between-anxiety-and-eating-disorders/