The Link Between Disordered Eating and Mental Health

Disordered eating (DE) is a subclinical eating disorder that includes a wide range of unhealthy behaviours such as occasional dieting, use of laxatives and chronic dieting. 

Disordered eating seems to be associated with distress and impairment and it is the most common indicator of the development of an eating disorder. In one study by Paganini and Peterson (University of Tasmania), it was found that negative emotions and the situation in which the eating occurs, may both have an important role.

In particular, the emotions of shame, loneliness, disgust and guilt appeared to both trigger and maintain disordered eating. Eating at home and the absence of others also highlighted the importance of situational factors in precipitating disordered eating. 

by Dr Chiara Paganini, Clinical Psychologist at Seed Psychology

The above research is from Chiara’s latest publication. Chiara has a particular interest in the treatment of eating disorders.