Eating disorders are more closely associated with bipolar disorder than with major depressive disorder.

Abstract

Eating disorders (EDs) are often associated with mood disorders due to a number of negative predictive factors. However, no studies have been found to compare the frequency of EDs in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) patients. This cross-sectional study included patients diagnosed with BD (n = 173) and MDD (n = 90). All participants underwent structured interviews to verify clinical diagnosis and concomitant EDs during lifetime. The frequency of EDs during lifetime among patients with BD was 38.8% (n = 67), among patients with MDD-8.9% (n = 8). All types of EDs were more associated with BD than MDD, even adjusted for sex and age. The frequency of EDs during lifetime did not significantly differ between patients with BD type I and BD type II. EDs is more associated with BD than MDD. It is important to consider the results in the differential diagnosis of these disorders. Screening for EDs in patients with mood disorders and, conversely, screening of mood disorders in patients with EDs is important in diagnosis to determine appropriate treatment strategies and improve clinical outcomes.