Mental Illness Archives - Prosperity Eating Disorders and Wellness Center

The Overlap Between Anxiety, Depression, and Eating Disorders

by Ariel Walsh | May 1, 2025 | Body Image, Eating Disorder Treatment, Eating Disorders, Mental Illness, Recovery, Stigma

Mental health struggles rarely happen in isolation, and eating disorders are no exception. Research shows that the majority of individuals with eating disorders also experience co-occurring conditions like anxiety and depression. These overlapping challenges can complicate the recovery journey, making it even more important to address the whole person, not just their relationship with food.

At Prosperity Eating Disorders and Wellness Center, we recognize that true healing means understanding and treating every layer of an individual’s mental health. This Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re shedding light on the critical connection between anxiety, depression, and eating disorders—and how integrated, compassionate care can pave the way to lasting recovery.

The Strong Link Between Eating Disorders, Anxiety, and Depression

Studies consistently reveal a significant overlap between eating disorders and other mental health conditions.

According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), over 70% of individuals with eating disorders have at least one other mental health condition, most commonly anxiety or mood disorders. According to research conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders commonly co-occur with eating disorders, affecting:

47.9% of adults with anorexia nervosa
80.6% of adults with bulimia nervosa
65.1% of adults with binge-eating disorder

This connection is not just statistical—it is deeply personal for those who live it. Anxiety and depression can both fuel disordered eating behaviors and be intensified by the effects of an eating disorder, creating a difficult cycle that can feel hard to break.

Common ways anxiety and depression intersect with eating disorders include:

Using restrictive eating, bingeing, or purging as a way to manage anxiety or a low mood temporarily.
Feeling intense guilt, shame, or fear around eating or body image
Experiencing hopelessness, worthlessness, or isolation, deepening both depressive symptoms and disordered eating behaviors
Engaging in perfectionistic thinking, rigid routines, or avoidance patterns that maintain both disorders

Without addressing the underlying mental health symptoms, treating only the surface-level eating behaviors may not lead to full, lasting recovery.

Why Integrated Mental Health Care Matters

At Prosperity, we believe that effective eating disorder treatment must go beyond food and body concerns. It must also support emotional regulation, address trauma histories, build self-worth, and help clients develop healthy coping mechanisms.

An integrated approach means:

Therapists and dietitians work collaboratively as part of each client’s treatment team
Anxiety, depression, and other co-occurring concerns are assessed and treated alongside eating disorder symptoms
Clients receive evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and exposure-based interventions
The emotional roots of the eating disorder—such as perfectionism, fear of judgment, trauma, or loneliness—are explored and processed in a safe, supportive environment

This holistic care helps clients not only reduce harmful behaviors but also heal emotionally, reconnect with their values, and build resilience for life’s challenges.

How Anxiety and Depression Can Affect Eating Disorder Recovery

When left untreated, anxiety and depression can make recovery from an eating disorder more difficult in several ways:

Increased Relapse Risk: Depression can sap motivation and hope, making it difficult to stay engaged in recovery.
Amplified Fear and Avoidance: Anxiety may heighten food-related fears and reinforce avoidance behaviors.
Isolation: Both anxiety and depression often lead to social withdrawal, weakening vital support systems and leaving individuals more vulnerable to disordered thoughts.

However, when anxiety and depression are actively addressed within the recovery process, clients often experience:

Greater emotional stability
Stronger coping skills
More positive and compassionate self-talk
Increased hope and motivation to continue progressing in recovery

At Prosperity, our goal is to help each client build a lasting recovery that supports not just freedom from eating disorder behaviors, but greater emotional and psychological well-being overall.

How Prosperity Eating Disorders and Wellness Center Supports Integrated Recovery

At Prosperity Eating Disorders and Wellness Center, we are committed to meeting each client where they are—with care that treats the whole person, not just the eating disorder.

Our programming is rooted in:

Weekly individual therapy sessions tailored to each client’s unique mental health needs
Weekly nutrition counseling grounded in a non-diet, Health At Every Size® (HAES®)-aligned approach
Group therapy sessions that focus on intuitive eating, coping skills, body image, anxiety management, and self-compassion
Trauma-informed care that prioritizes emotional safety and healing
A supportive, affirming community that fosters belonging and hope

We accept clients with all eating disorder diagnoses, including a separate track specifically for individuals struggling with Binge Eating Disorder.

Whether you’re participating in our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) or Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) in Reston, Norfolk, or virtually, Prosperity is here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

Prioritizing Mental Health in Eating Disorder Recovery

Eating disorders are serious and complex mental health conditions that deserve professional, compassionate, and comprehensive care, not just during Mental Health Awareness Month, but every day. Recovery isn’t simply about changing eating habits; it’s about healing emotional wounds, building resilience, and reclaiming your life with compassion and courage.

At Prosperity Eating Disorders and Wellness Center, we understand that lasting recovery means treating the whole person. Our integrated programs provide the specialized support you need to heal fully—mind, body, and spirit.

You don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

Visit our website or contact us today for more information about our variety of eating disorder treatment programs that are individualized for you.

Zero to Recovery: The Accelerated Path Out

by Heather Baker | Apr 22, 2025 | Eating Disorder Treatment, Eating Disorders, Mental Illness, Recovery

In the context of evidence-based treatment for eating disorders (EDs), several studies and clinical practices have demonstrated the benefits of more immediate or structured treatment approaches. The term “hard and fast” might vary depending on the specific treatment modality, but here’s a breakdown of key benefits of intense, evidence-based interventions:

1. Preventing Medical Complications and Long-Term Health Risks

Evidence: Eating disorders, especially anorexia nervosa, can lead to life-threatening medical complications such as heart failure, organ damage, osteoporosis, and electrolyte imbalances. Rapid intervention—especially in inpatient settings—can help address these immediate medical risks.

Research: A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry (2017) highlighted that early intervention and inpatient care were critical in preventing mortality and severe physical health consequences in patients with anorexia nervosa.
Benefit: Intensive treatment helps to stabilize patients quickly, restoring vital functions and preventing irreversible health damage.

2. Addressing Severe Malnutrition and Starvation

Evidence: Many eating disorders (especially anorexia) lead to malnutrition and starvation, which impair brain function, hormonal balance, and overall physical health. Immediate nutritional rehabilitation is crucial to restore proper body weight and function.

Research: A study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2011) showed that rapid refeeding (as opposed to gradual refeeding) was beneficial in addressing the nutritional needs of patients with anorexia nervosa. However, this approach needs to be carefully monitored to avoid refeeding syndrome.
Benefit: Early and intense nutritional rehabilitation can reduce the risk of starvation-related death and promote a faster return to physical health.

3. Reduction in Eating Disorder Symptoms

Evidence: Aggressive interventions, such as intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and Family-Based Therapy (FBT), have been shown to reduce core eating disorder symptoms (e.g., restrictive eating, binging, purging).

Research: A meta-analysis published in Psychological Medicine (2017) found that Family-Based Therapy (FBT), when implemented early and intensively for adolescents with anorexia nervosa, led to higher rates of recovery and fewer relapse incidents.
Benefit: Intensive treatment programs target the eating disorder’s psychological and behavioral symptoms quickly, which can significantly reduce the duration and severity of the disorder.

4. Addressing Co-Occurring Mental Health Issues

Evidence: Eating disorders often co-occur with other mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Rapid, intensive interventions can also address these comorbid conditions simultaneously.

Research: A study published in Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment & Prevention (2016) showed that patients with both eating disorders and comorbid depression or anxiety disorders benefit significantly from integrated treatment approaches, which target both the eating disorder and the psychological symptoms.
Benefit: Immediate treatment can help prevent mental health conditions from worsening, improve overall well-being, and provide a more comprehensive recovery.

5. Improved Long-Term Prognosis with Early Intervention

Evidence: The earlier eating disorders are treated, the better the prognosis for full recovery. Intensive, early intervention programs (such as those that include medical stabilization, psychotherapy, and family involvement) can improve long-term outcomes.

Research: According to research published in The Lancet Psychiatry (2018), early and intensive treatment for eating disorders (e.g., starting treatment within the first three years of diagnosis) significantly improves the chances of long-term recovery and reduces the likelihood of chronicity.
Benefit: Fast, evidence-based intervention increases the likelihood of a full recovery, whereas delays in treatment often lead to worsening symptoms, prolonged illness, and more complex treatment requirements.

6. Enhanced Motivation and Engagement with Treatment

Evidence: Intensive programs can help maintain a high level of engagement with the treatment process. Immediate treatment addresses urgent needs and reduces feelings of hopelessness or confusion that may lead to treatment disengagement.

Research: A study published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders (2016) found that intensive, multidisciplinary treatment plans (involving therapy, medical care, and nutritional rehabilitation) significantly improved patient engagement and treatment adherence.
Benefit: Patients who experience quick relief from the most distressing symptoms are more likely to remain engaged with the treatment plan, which is essential for long-term recovery.

7. Faster Return to Functional Life

Evidence: Rapid treatment interventions not only address the physical aspects of eating disorders but also help individuals resume normal functioning in daily life (e.g., returning to school or work).

Research: A study in Psychiatric Clinics of North America (2019) highlighted that intensive treatments significantly reduced recovery time for patients, allowing them to regain daily functioning faster than those who experienced slower or less structured interventions.
Benefit: Addressing the eating disorder quickly allows the individual to return to a more functional state of life, which can positively impact social relationships, employment, and education.

8. The Role of Family-Based Therapy (FBT) in Intensive Treatment

Evidence: Family-Based Therapy, particularly for adolescents, is one of the most effective and evidence-based treatments for eating disorders when delivered with urgency and intensity.

Research: A study published in JAMA Psychiatry (2014) showed that FBT, particularly when done intensively with regular sessions, was highly effective in treating adolescents with anorexia nervosa, with a high success rate of restoring weight and normal eating patterns.
Benefit: Rapid involvement of the family in treatment allows for more structured support and intervention at home, which can improve long-term recovery outcomes.

9. Better Utilization of Resources and Healthcare Systems

Evidence: Intensive, structured treatment may help prevent prolonged reliance on healthcare systems by addressing issues early, thus reducing the need for long-term care or readmission.

Research: Research from the Journal of Eating Disorders (2019) indicated that early and intensive treatment could reduce the long-term financial burden of ongoing treatment, including multiple hospitalizations, by preventing chronic relapse.
Benefit: Intensive, well-structured treatment maximizes healthcare efficiency and can prevent long-term costs related to chronic illness and repeated hospitalizations.

These overall benefits—early intervention, improved recovery rates, reduced medical risks, better engagement with therapy, and better long-term outcomes—make intensive programs such as PHP and IOP an important option for many individuals struggling with eating disorders.

This post was written by:

Adrianna Rodriguez, MS, MFT, FBT-C (she/her/hers)

Adrianna is a Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience. Adrianna has been with Prosperity since its opening in 2012 and has celebrated her 11 years. She has played an integral role as Prosperity’s family therapist, FBT facilitator, and supervisor. Her main focus is working with the entire family system to increase healthy lines of communication, problem-solving, and help each family reach their unique goals. Adrianna is certified as a Family-Based Treatment (FBT) provider. FBT is also known as the Maudsley Approach. FBT is an evidence-based treatment approach and the treatment of choice for adolescents with anorexia nervosa. We are lucky to have one of the few certified FBT providers in the state of Virginia right here at Prosperity Eating Disorders & Wellness Center!

The certification process, through the Training Institute for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders, was designed by Daniel LeGrange, PhD, and James Locke, MD, the developers of FBT. Adrianna has worked with cases involving high-conflict parents, recently divorced couples, significant adolescent or parent pathology, and heightened suicide risk. She has also successfully used modified versions of FBT to treat young adults and spouses with eating disorders.

Adrianna is passionate about helping families in their journey towards full recovery and deeper connections. She helps facilitate an increase in self-awareness and family dynamics. In her spare time, Adrianna enjoys spending time with her husband and kids. She is fluent in English and Spanish and offers services in both languages.

The Prevalence of Eating Disorders Among Military Personnel

by Heather Baker | Mar 11, 2024 | Eating Disorders, Mental Illness, Stigma

It is acknowledged that with the choice to join the military comes rigorous training, the expectation of operational readiness, and the assumption that one will be at their peak physical condition while serving their country. What is not often acknowledged, however, is that these rigid standards — combined with the stress and often trauma associated with serving — can lead to eating disorders among military personnel.

Our men and women in the military are three times more likely than civilians to suffer from certain eating disorders.

The constant pressure to maintain strict body standards coupled with demanding deployments and separation from loved ones can exacerbate mental health challenges that often lead to disordered eating patterns. These unique challenges faced by our nation’s military have led experts and professionals to advocate for improved support systems for this group. Seeking help for an eating disorder can be overwhelming, and when one is in the military, it can feel like it is not even an option.

The Prevalence of Eating Disorders in The Military

While the exact rates of eating disorders among members of the military are unknown due to associated stigmas and lack of self-reporting, experts do know that people in the service — especially women — run a higher risk of being diagnosed with an eating disorder. A study published by the American Psychological Association showed that nearly 34% of active-duty women scored in the at-risk range for eating disorders, while between 2 and 7% of active-duty men were found to be similarly at-risk.

The prevalence of eating disorders within the military can be attributed to several factors that are unique to military service. Members of the military have to regularly ‘make weight’ for certain occasions (such as graduations) and have to hit a certain BMI. These parameters can lead to disordered eating habits.

A high level of activity and high-stress situations, from boot camp to combat, also play a significant role in the high level of disordered eating behavior found among members of the military. For example, the US Army abides by strict weight requirements and maximums, setting the maximum weight for both men and women based on height and age.

The standards are rigid, and if a soldier falls outside of those standards within six months after enlisting, they may be forced into the Army Body Composition Program (ABCP) — a mandatory supervised and regulated fitness program for those who do not maintain physical standards.

Appearance is also heavily monitored within the military, and such scrutiny can lead to body dysmorphia or disordered ideas about one’s appearance. The military wants their soldiers to have a uniform, fit, and lean appearance, which is why they all have similar haircuts, uniform protocols, and strict weight standards. Many members of the military have to undergo regular inspections, where superior officers make sure their appearance, from their weight to the cuffs on their shirts, is up to par.

The mental health struggles of both enlisted soldiers and veterans have been studied and well-documented. It is the combination of the soldier’s predisposition toward depression and other mental health challenges and the rigid standards and expectations of the military that largely contribute to eating disorders.

Seeking Treatment and Support

According to reports from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the United States Department of Defense (DoD), “Screens for eating disorders for all applicants entering into the military but does not specifically screen servicemembers for eating disorders after entrance. However, after joining the military, servicemembers receive annual health screenings, and medical personnel may be able to diagnose eating disorders during in-person physical exams.”

The report goes on to state that behavioral health specialists who work with these recruits through the DoD “are trained to notice signs of eating disorders, such as changes in vital signs and emaciated appearance.” However, because eating disorders can severely impact the cardiovascular, neurological, and digestive health among members of the military in particular, it may require more in-depth screening, monitoring, and treatment.

Seeking treatment for adults with eating disorders poses an added challenge due to their existing responsibilities and commitments. Many have learned to adapt their lives around the disorder, making the idea of seeking inpatient or outpatient treatment appear daunting, if not impossible.

There is also a stigma that persists around eating disorders, and those in the military may fear seeming weak, out of control, or unable to perform their duties if they seek help. Studies have shown that eating disorders among members of the United States military are found at rates comparable to that of the general United States population but may even be found at higher rates due to the percentage of service members who avoid being formally diagnosed.

Enlisted and veteran members of the military need care that is catered to their specialized needs, especially those dealing with co-occurring mental health concerns such as PTSD. A comprehensive treatment approach needs to target the nutritional, psychological, psychiatric, and emotional needs of the person. Treatment approaches such as exposure therapy, cognitive processing therapy, intensive outpatient programs, or even in-patient programs for those needing extra support should all be options for military members. It is also essential to offer virtual therapy options for those who may be deployed.

A complex weave of social, psychological, occupational, and physical factors all play into the higher risk factors for eating disorders among military personnel. Military leaders, healthcare providers, and policymakers must recognize these heightened risk factors and create avenues for treatment without stigma or negative repercussions.

By addressing the issue of eating disorders among members of the military, we can support our men and women in uniform and promote the ongoing health and resilience of our armed forces, assuring that they can thrive long after their service is through.

Virginia’s Premier Day Treatment And Intensive Outpatient Treatment Centers

Prosperity Eating Disorders & Wellness Center specializes in the treatment of eating disorders while offering evidence-based, comprehensive, ethical, and individualized treatment to all ages, ethnicities, genders, and eating disorders. Our goal is to help sufferers find a full recovery by meeting their psychological, nutritional, emotional, and relational needs. We specialize in treating Anorexia, Bulimia, EDNOS, Orthorexia, and Binge Eating Disorder. With locations in Herndon and Norfolk, Prosperity is equipped to serve the needs of adolescents and adults throughout Virginia.

Get started with Prosperity Eating Disorders & Wellness Center today!

Learn More Here

Personalized Paths to Healing: Adult Eating Disorder Treatment at Prosperity

by Heather Baker | Oct 13, 2023 | Eating Disorders, Mental Illness, Recovery, Stigma, therapy

“Eating disorders are most commonly associated with teenagers and college students.”

While many teenagers in the United States suffer from various types of eating disorders, the struggles of adults with eating disorders often go overlooked and untreated. In fact, binge eating disorder is more prevalent in adulthood compared to other types of eating disorders. Eating disorders in adults can be triggered by a multitude of factors, including genetics, past trauma, and health complications like Crohn’s disease or gastrointestinal issues that negatively impact their diets. Frequently, when adults seek medical attention, they are misdiagnosed. Severe dieting can alter the brain’s perception of food, leading to an extreme fear of weight gain and distorted body image. This often results in malnourishment, even for individuals with larger bodies.

Seeking Eating Disorder Treatment as an Adult

Seeking treatment for adults with eating disorders poses an added challenge due to their existing responsibilities and commitments. Many parents or professionals have learned to adapt their lives around the disorder, making the idea of seeking inpatient or outpatient treatment appear daunting, if not impossible. However, at Prosperity Eating Disorders and Wellness Center, we understand the unique challenges adults face in seeking treatment for eating disorders. OK Magazine says: “Baker has found that adults often feel alone in their disorders and feel ashamed about reaching out for help, so the group therapy sessions act as a way for them to connect with other adults who share the same struggles.”

Tailored Eating Disorder Treatment for Adults at Prosperity

Established in 2012, Prosperity Eating Disorder and Wellness Center proudly serves individuals in Virginia through two convenient locations: Northern Virginia and Coastal Virginia. Our comprehensive approach addresses the nutritional, psychological, psychiatric, and emotional needs of both teenagers and adults struggling with eating disorders.

For adults seeking support at Prosperity, our specialized programs encompass a range of therapeutic modalities. This includes immersive group therapy sessions, individualized sessions with experienced therapists and dietitians, and the valuable experience of sharing meals with a supportive community. We understand that adults may often feel isolated in their journey, which is why our group sessions provide a vital space for connecting with others facing similar challenges.

Misconceptions and stigmas surrounding adult eating disorders are actively tackled through our group therapy sessions. We recognize that some may hesitate to seek help out of concern for being in a group with teenagers. Therefore, we offer a distinct program tailored specifically for adults. Here, discussions revolve around adult-centric topics, such as managing an eating disorder while navigating professional responsibilities, parenthood, marriage, and caregiving.

At Prosperity, we understand the importance of accommodating diverse schedules. Our offerings include both day and evening programs to suit the needs of both adults and adolescents. For those preferring virtual treatment options, our telehealth services ensure access to care from the comfort of your own space. With clinics located in Norfolk and Herndon, Virginia, we welcome individuals of all ages, genders, and types of eating disorders, accepting most insurance plans.

Virginia’s Boutique Eating Disorder Treatment Center

At Prosperity Eating Disorders & Wellness Center, we are dedicated to providing evidence-based, individualized treatment for eating disorders across all age groups, ethnic backgrounds, and genders.

Our approach addresses psychological, nutritional, emotional, and relational needs, guiding individuals toward a full recovery. We specialize in treating a range of disorders including Anorexia, Bulimia, EDNOS, Orthorexia, and Binge Eating Disorder.

Take the first step towards recovery with Prosperity Eating Disorders & Wellness Center today!