ACE Health Coach Certification Practice Test

Research has linked which disorder to the development of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa?

1. Depression

2. Anxiety disorder

3. Post-traumatic stress disorder

4. Obsessive-compulsive disorder

The correct answer is: Anxiety disorder

The relationship between anxiety disorders and the development of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa is significant. Research indicates that individuals with anxiety disorders often exhibit maladaptive behaviors, including those related to food intake and body image. Anxiety can lead to heightened preoccupation with weight and food, which may contribute to the onset of eating disorders. Anxiety may manifest as a fear of weight gain or a desire for control over one’s body, which can catalyze restrictive eating behaviors seen in anorexia nervosa or the binge-purge cycles characteristic of bulimia nervosa. Furthermore, the perfectionistic tendencies and excessive worry commonly associated with anxiety disorders may exacerbate the severity and persistence of these eating disorders. This connection highlights the importance of addressing any underlying anxiety issues when treating clients with anorexia or bulimia. While other disorders listed might be related to eating disorders, anxiety's direct link through behavioral patterns and emotional responses has been more clearly established in scientific literature.