Dr. Carla Ramacciotti of the University of Pisa in Italy recently submitted writings to the journal of Psychiatry Research explaining that there is definitely a relationship between mood disorders and eating disorders. This relationship, however, remains nebulous.

Though eating disorders are relatively common among the bipolar community, it is often difficult to discern whether it is a product of mood alterations or a function of prescribed medications for the disorder.

Dr. Ramacciotti and her team conducted a study in which 51 patients with type 1 bipolar disorder were interviewed to determine if they had an eating disorder. Specifically, the questioning was focused on determining if patients had a binge eating disorder (BED) or if they possibly suffered from bulimia nervosa (BN).

The researchers found 14 of the 51 bipolar patients had an eating disorder. Of the 14, 9 patients had BED and 5 patients had BN. None of the 14 patients developed an eating disorder prior to their first bipolar episode.

Results also show that all 5 of the patients with BN were women, 4 (80%) of which had a family history of binge eating. Only 22% of the BED patients and 30% of all the participants showed a family history of eating disorders.

Ramacciotti and her team concluded, "This study [demonstrates] that the mood disorder generally preceded the eating disorder; and the onset occurred during both manic and depressive phases."

They added that physicians should be conscious of their bipolar patients who may have an eating disorder. The disease is treated most effectively with a combination of psychiatric counseling and medication. Patients who have developed an eating disorder may require nutritional counseling as well.



http://www.mydna.com/health/mental/news/resources/news/200506/news_20050614_bidis.html