Eating Disorders and Suicide

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In today’s culture, being aware and self-conscious of our bodies seems to be the norm, but unfortunately a small percentage of those watching their weight and body image develop an eating disorder. Some of the diagnoses of an eating disorder include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. As a part of Eating Disorder Awareness week, it is important to know one of the risks associated with this mental illness: suicide.

Eating Disorders and Increased Suicide Risk
Those diagnosed with an eating disorder, regardless of the type, are at a higher risk of dying by suicide.¹ According to one study, approximately half of those diagnosed with an eating disorder disclosed they have lifetime suicidal thoughts.² Most of those diagnosed do not attempt to die by suicide, but those who make an attempt are often more serious and intentional resulting in hospitalization.³ There are some guesses as to the cause of the increased risk of suicide:

• Increased impulsivity¹
• Repeatedly engaging in painful behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting or starving⁴
• Increased feelings of burdensomeness and decreased feelings of belongingness⁴

By engaging in eating disorder behaviors, the risk of dying by suicide is increased.

How to Get Help
If you or someone you know are struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating symptoms, you can reach out to your local primary care physician, seek mental health services, or check out the National Eating Disorder Association for more information and treatment options. If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255).

References
1. Suokas, J., Suvisaari, J. M., Grainger, M., Raevuori, A., Gissler, M., & Haukka, J. (2014). Suicide attempts and morality in eating disorders: a follow-up study of eating disorder patients. General Hospital Psychiatry, 36, p. 355-357.
2. Portzky, G., Heeringen, K., & Vervaet, M. (2014). Attempted suicide in patients with eating disorders. Crisis, 35(6), p. 378-387.
3. Pisetsky, E., Thorton, L.M., Lichtenstein, P., Pedersen, N. L., & Bulik, C. M. (2013). Suicide attempts in women with eating disorders. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 122(4), p. 1042-1056.
4. Dodd, D., Smith, A., and Bodell, L. (2014). Restraint feeds stress: The relationship between eating disorder symptoms, stress generation, and the interpersonal theory of suicide. Eating Behaviors<, 15, p. 567-573.