Just the other day I came across a news story about a woman who had committed suicide after a long-term battle with depression and an eating disorder. Helen Williams was only 38 years old.
Helen’s story is not uncommon. Many patients struggling with eating disorders often have depression. The statistics associated with both illnesses are shocking.
- 1 in 5 diagnosed with anorexia will die within 20 years after initial diagnosis
- Anorexia has the highest death rate of any disorder treated by psychiatrists
- Currently only 30-40% of individuals with anorexia fully recover
- Up to 88% of patients with anorexia have a diagnosis of depression
- Roughly 70% of individuals with depression will experience recurring episodes throughout their lifetime
Why is anorexia (and other eating disorders) so inexplicably linked to depression? Malnutrition.
Malnutrition exacerbates depression and eating disorder behaviors by depleting the brain and body of vital nutrients. These nutritional deficiencies can and do have profound effects on the brain. Several studies have shown that deficiencies of zinc, cholesterol, and B vitamins are found in patients with depression. People struggling with eating disorders may also have abnormal levels of zinc and other nutrients.
Treating the malnutrition is a key step to recovery from anorexia, other eating disorders, and depression.
In April and May, I will be addressing these issues of malnutrition in depression and eating disorders at various seminars and conferences. I welcome you all to join me as I concentrate on topics such as nutritional strategies in the treatment and prevention of depression and eating disorders, focusing specifically on zinc, cholesterol, essential fatty acids, and B vitamins.
Helen’s story is too common. It doesn’t have to be.
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i need to get this word out on my blog, pronto. 1 in 5 is a seriously disturbing number and makes my skin crawl. the lack of focus on malnutrition in anorexia recovery is ridiculous, in my opinion. only when i studied up the brain body and nutrition did i UNDERSTAND malnutrition and fixing malnutrition allows for so many aspects of recovery to essentially ‘fall into place’
where can i find a list of places you will be giving seminars? i would absolutely LOVE to attend one and hear your thoughts
Hi Mallory,
You can find a list of seminars and events here http://www.jamesgreenblattmd.com/jgreenblatt-events.htm Also, if you can’t attend any of the events, you can listen to Dr. Greenblatt on the radio via the internet at http://www.630WPRO.com. Dr. Greenblatt is featured on the Patricia Raskin Positive Living program bi-monthly (you can find details at the same link as above). Listeners are also encouraged to call in with any questions or comments.
Thanks for reading the blog!
Thanks for the reply. I would love to share this with the sufferers i use to attend meetings with. I saw a seminar in Arizona at the end of this year. I am planning to try and attend!
That’s great! Hope you can attend.