A nurse in the acute mental health unit is admitting a new client with an eating disorder. The nurse is aware that which of the following are considered comorbidities of eating disorders? (Select all that apply.)
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A Reason:Anxiety is a common comorbidity with eating disorders. Individuals with eating disorders often experience heightened levels of anxiety, which can manifest as generalized anxiety, panic attacks, or specific phobias. The preoccupation with food, body weight, and shape in eating disorders can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.Choice B Reason:Depression is another frequent comorbidity with eating disorders. The feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and anhedonia that characterize depression can often intertwine with the negative self-perception and emotional distress associated with eating disorders. This relationship can create a vicious cycle where each condition perpetuates the other.Choice C Reason:Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is commonly comorbid with eating disorders, particularly with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. The obsessive thoughts about food and compulsive behaviors such as excessive exercising or ritualistic eating patterns seen in eating disorders share similarities with the symptomatology of OCD.Choice D Reason:Schizophrenia is not typically considered a comorbidity of eating disorders. While individuals with schizophrenia may exhibit disordered eating behaviors, these are usually secondary to psychotic symptoms or medication side effects rather than a primary eating disorder.Choice E Reason:Breathing-related sleep disorders are not commonly associated with eating disorders. However, if an individual with an eating disorder has significant weight fluctuations, it could potentially impact sleep and breathing. Still, it is not a primary comorbidity like anxiety, depression, or OCD.