The Severity of Symptoms and the Structure of Depression in Woman wit Eating Disorders

Abstract

Introduction: The relations between eating disorders and depression indicate a multi-directional and complex character. Depression can predispose to and sustain the symptoms of the disorder, affect the course of treatment and contribute to the risk of relapse and deepened psychopathological consequences. Research Aim: The aim of the undertaken studies was to determine the symptoms and the structure of depression in women with anorexia and bulimia nervosa. Method: Totally, 100 women with eating disorders, including 50 with anorexia and 50 with bulimia, were studied based on the diagnostic criteria DS M-V (2015). The 21-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) was used in the research. Results: The analyses revealed differences in the severity of symptoms and the structure of depression. Depression in anorectic persons is related to somatic symptoms, while in bulimic persons with psychomotor tension. Cluster analysis showed differences between the examined persons. Melancholic depression prevailed in the group of women with anorexia, whereas in persons with bulimia atypical depression was predominant. The anxious form of depression also occurred in anorectic women, while in bulimic persons hypochondriac depression was observed. Conclusions: The assessment of the severity and the structure of depression in persons with eating disorders plays a significant role in the diagnostic process, the treatment plan and in prognosis.

Keywords

• depresja, zaburzenia odżywiania, jadłowstręt psychiczny, bulimia psychiczna