Медичні працівники повинні враховувати супутні захворювання при розладах харчової поведінки

Eating disorders frequently coexist with other health conditions, known as comorbidities, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment. The connections between these disorders are often bidirectional, meaning that each can exacerbate the other. However, many healthcare providers overlook these interrelationships, leading to inadequate care for affected individuals.

Individuals suffering from eating disorders may also experience psychiatric comorbidities such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), body dysmorphic disorder, anxiety disorders, major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorders. These conditions can amplify the severity of eating disorders and contribute to higher mortality rates, particularly in cases like anorexia nervosa where self-harm and suicidal thoughts are prevalent.

Similarly, physical comorbidities, including gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, and connective tissue disorders, can also be intertwined with eating disorders. For example, patients with type 1 diabetes may struggle with disordered eating patterns, yet they often receive fragmented care due to the lack of integration between eating disorder and diabetes management services.

A phenomenon known as diagnostic overshadowing occurs when a healthcare provider focuses on the eating disorder to the exclusion of other medical issues, or vice versa. This lack of recognition can lead to worsening symptoms and higher risks for patients. For instance, if a patient presents with symptoms that could be attributed to both an eating disorder and a psychiatric condition, providers may misattribute the cause to one disorder alone, neglecting crucial aspects of their health.

Integrated care models that involve multidisciplinary teams are essential for addressing these complexities. However, many patients report difficulties accessing simultaneous treatment for both their eating disorder and comorbid conditions. Personal accounts highlight systemic barriers that prevent individuals from receiving coordinated care. For example, a patient with both an eating disorder and OCD may struggle to find services that treat both conditions concurrently, often due to the rigid structures of existing healthcare systems.

Neurodiversity also plays a significant role in the complexities of eating disorders. Individuals with conditions such as autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often experience unique challenges that can intersect with their eating disorders. Reports indicate that the prevalence of autism in eating disorder populations may range from 8% to 37%. Research suggests that ADHD is also common among individuals with eating disorders, often due to shared traits such as impulsivity and sensory sensitivities.

Healthcare professionals must recognize the importance of neurodiversity-affirming care approaches. Such approaches involve adapting treatment strategies to meet the needs of neurodiverse patients without pathologizing their behaviors. For instance, environments can be modified to reduce sensory overload, and communication styles can be adjusted for clarity and directness. This ensures that neurodiverse patients receive appropriate care tailored to their unique needs.

The shift to digital healthcare, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has created additional challenges for those with eating disorders and comorbidities. Many patients reported that telehealth options did not replace the effectiveness of in-person interactions. Patients with social anxiety or other conditions that impair communication found virtual appointments unhelpful, leading to increased feelings of isolation. Furthermore, healthcare providers often struggle to monitor signs of deterioration in patients through virtual platforms, which can lead to delayed interventions.

In summary, there is a pressing need for healthcare providers to improve their understanding and treatment of eating disorders in conjunction with comorbidities. This includes expanding clinical education to raise awareness of these interconnections and implementing integrated care models that allow for comprehensive treatment. By doing so, healthcare providers can better support individuals facing the dual challenges of eating disorders and other health conditions, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.