Eating disorders and psychosis: Seven hypotheses

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Psychotic disorders and eating disorders can manifest concurrently in individuals.
• This comorbidity presents significant diagnostic challenges and treatment uncertainties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the seven distinct ways symptoms of psychotic and eating disorders can co-exist.
• To review the existing literature, largely composed of case reports, on this comorbidity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on case reports detailing the co-occurrence of psychotic and eating disorders.
• Analysis of the temporal relationship, impact of psychosis on eating disorders, and shared deficits.

Main Results:

• No consistent temporal sequence exists; eating disorders can precede or follow psychosis onset.
• Psychosis onset or treatment can influence eating disorders, sometimes leading to remission, other times exacerbation.
• Shared genetic, physiological, cognitive, and brain structure deficits are suggested, but the link remains speculative.

Conclusions:

• The co-occurrence of psychotic and eating disorders is complex, with varied presentations and outcomes.
• Further research is crucial to understand the mechanisms and implications of this comorbidity.
• Clinical practice should address the individual ways these conditions overlap to improve patient care.