Depression and anxiety: predictors of eating disorder symptoms and substance addiction severity

Abstract

Depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem are frequently associated with eating and substance use disorders (SUD). Given the high prevalence of concurrent disorders in individuals with eating and substance use problems, it is critical to identify other psychological factors important for consideration in treatment of this population. Individuals (N = 314) seeking treatment for eating disorder (ED) and problematic substance use were administered a self-report questionnaire battery. Regression analyses indicated that depressive (p < 0.001) and anxiety (p = 0.03) symptoms significantly predicted ED symptom severity. Anxiety (p = 0.01) and self-esteem (p = 0.06; trend) predicted whether or not participants used substances. Greater substance addiction severity was associated with higher anxiety (p = 0.01) and lower self-esteem (p = 0.04). These findings suggest the importance of assessing other mental health problems in individuals with concurrent eating and SUD, and offering strategies to help these individuals cope with depressive and anxiety symptoms, and low self-esteem. Integrated treatment issues are discussed.

Keywords:

• concurrent disorders
• eating disorders
• substance use disorders
• depressive symptoms
• anxiety symptoms
• self-esteem

Notes

1. We utilize the term substance addiction in accordance with the DSM-IV-TR (APA, 2000) definition of substance dependence.