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Suicide Rates in Those who Suffer with Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder is a severe psychiatric illness that is associated with many devastating consequences if left untreated. Many individuals who struggle with binge eating disorder are at increased risk of having another mental illness, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mood and personality disorders.
Co-occurring are Very Common
Because these disorders are often co-occurring, the challenges encountered with binge eating disorder are much more complex than meets the eye. On the surface level, it may seem that an individual is only dead with food issues and lack of self-control. However, binge eating disorder is much more than just food, as many emotional, psychological, biological and environmental factors play a part in the development of these mental illnesses.
One concerning aspect about eating disorders, such as binge eating disorder, is the risk of suicide among individuals who are struggling. Research has found that over thirty percent of women with being eating disorder and almost twenty percent with subthreshold binge eating disorder had suicidal ideation [1]. Also concerning is the number of women with binge eating disorder who had attempted suicide, which was found to be approximately fifteen percent [1].
These findings emphasize the severity of binge eating disorder as a mental illness, Binge eating disorder is not simply wanting to overindulge in food or having a lack of willpower. There are many factors at play that should be carefully considered and treated in order to help an individual who may be suffering find healing and hope.
If you or a loved one has been struggling with binge eating disorder and subsequent suicidal ideations/attempts, it is crucial that you seek out immediate help and care. If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, go to your nearest emergency room, dial 9-1-1, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Your life is valuable and important, and you are deserving of treatment and recovery. There is HOPE!
References:
- Swanson SA, Crow SJ, Le Grange D, Swendsen J, Merikangas KR. Prevalence and Correlates of Eating Disorders in Adolescents: Results From the National Comorbidity Survey Replication Adolescent Supplement. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2011;68(7):714-723. doi:10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2011.22.
About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work and nutrition private practice.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer a discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals. We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on February 19, 2019. Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
