There is a strong relationship between eating disorders and people who suffer from personality disorders, specifically borderline personality disorder (BPD). While the correlation is still not fully understood, research does show some reasons why the two types of disorders commonly occur together and why they may be related.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are psychiatric disorders that are associated with behavioural problems related to food and eating. These disorders also coincide with thoughts and emotions about eating. Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, but there are several lesser-known eating disorders as well.
Anorexia is characterized by a severely restricted diet or food consumption. It is also related to a preoccupation with weight gain that can manifest itself in low body weight and distressing thought patterns.
Bulimia is characterized by binge eating and behaviours that are associated with the compensation for over-eating. These behaviours include things like self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or the use of laxatives to maintain or lose weight.
There are also other eating disorders like binge-eating and pica. Eating disorders can be mentally and physically damaging. If you or someone you know has an eating disorder, then it is important to seek help from a doctor and/or a mental health professional.
Personality Disorders
A personality disorder is a type of mental condition where you have an unhealthy way of thinking and behaving that is often strict and rigid. It may influence perception and social interaction and cause a person to have trouble functioning in school, work, and relationships. There are several different types of personality disorders including schizoid personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and borderline personality disorder.
Schizoid personality disorder involves a lack of interest in relationships and a limited range of emotions. It also often coincides with a loss of interest in or inability to take pleasure from most or all activities. Someone with a schizoid personality disorder may also be unable to pick up on normal social cues and may appear indifferent or uninterested.
A narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by the belief that you are more important or more special than other people. It can also involve fantasies about power and success as well as a failure to recognize and address other people’s feelings.
An obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is associated with organization and rules. It may involve perfectionist behaviours as well as feelings of distress when things do not meet certain standards.
A borderline personality disorder is characterized by risky behaviours and a poor self-image. It can cause unstable relationships and mood swings as well as other negative or distressing thoughts and feelings. It may also involve feelings of fear of loneliness, intense anger or rage, and paranoia.
Borderline Personality Disorder and Eating Disorders
People who suffer from borderline personality disorder are more likely to suffer from eating disorders than people who do not have BPD. However, it is important to note that most people who have eating disorders do not also suffer from BPD even though BPD does increase the likelihood of an eating disorder.
Experts theorize that the reason for the correlation is the presence of a common risk factor. Both borderline personality disorder and eating disorders are associated with childhood traumatic experiences like abuse. Therefore, the correlation may not actually be between BPD and eating disorders, but in the fact that childhood trauma increases the likelihood of developing both types of disorders.
Some experts have also theorized that the symptoms of BPD may increase the risk of developing an eating disorder. This would be a more direct correlation between the two disorders. The impulsivity, risk-taking behaviour, and self-harm urge that characterize BPD may lead one to develop unhealthy eating behaviours. On the other hand, the behaviour associated with an eating disorder may lead to the increased stress that may increase the severity and frequency of symptoms associated with BPD.
Treatment for Co-Occurring Eating Disorder and BPD
Both BPD and eating disorders can be effectively treated and it is best to treat the two disorders simultaneously. Therapy, medication, or a combination of the two can be an effective way to treat eating disorders and borderline personality disorders. However, severe cases of eating disorders can be life-threatening and may require intensive medical care.
Cognitive behavioural therapy can help you learn to change your negative thought patterns. This can help you change negative or unhealthy behaviours. Interpersonal therapy may also be used because it can help you focus on the symptoms and your relationships with other people. Psychodynamic therapy can also help by allowing you to focus on your subconscious thoughts that may coincide with the eating disorder or BPD.
If you suffer from BPD, an eating disorder, or a combination of the two, you may greatly benefit from contacting a mental health professional. There are therapists available that specialize in these types of issues that are qualified to help you through your mental health concerns.
Conclusion
The connection between borderline personality disorder and eating disorders is still not fully understood. However, there are some theories that may help to understand the relationship. Regardless of the exact correlation, it is important to treat both simultaneously. This is much more effective and can help to make a lasting recovery possible.
Marie Miguel Biography
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health-related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
