Eating Disorders and Co-occuring Conditions
We offer compassionate, specialist therapy to help individuals build confidence, emotional resilience, and a healthier relationship with their appearance.
Comorbid Conditions EXPLAINED
Understanding Comorbid Conditions in Eating Disorders
Many people experiencing an eating disorder also live with additional emotional, psychological, or developmental conditions. These are often referred to as co-occurring, or co-morbid, conditions, and they are often integral to the development or maintenance of an eating disorder and can significantly impact treatment and recovery.
1.25M
people living with an eating disorder
Co-occurring conditions should always be considered within treatment such that support is tailored to the whole person.
With specialist care, all related conditions can be understood and treated in a compassionate, structured way.
46%
of Adults feel unhappy about their appearance
Why Comorbid Conditions Matter in Recovery
Co-occurring conditions can shape how an eating disorder begins, how it is maintained, and how it feels day-to-day. Integrated treatment ensures that both the eating disorder and any other conditions are addressed together or sequentially, depending on what is clinically most helpful. This approach supports emotional understanding, stabilises wellbeing, and promotes long-term recovery.
Conditions We Commonly Support
Treatment for co-occurring conditions is usually done within the same, integrated treatment, however there may also be circumstances where an additional member of the team, or co-working with an external professional or team is recommended. At The London Centre, we offer specialist support for each condition listed below. Please click the links to visit their dedicated pages for deeper guidance.
Depression
Depression commonly coexists with eating disorders, affecting motivation, emotional regulation, and daily functioning. For some, low mood predates the eating disorder; for others, depression results as a consequence of living with an eating disorder.
Low Self-Esteem
Low self-esteem often involves persistent beliefs about “not being good enough”. These beliefs can contribute to rigid food rules, body dissatisfaction, or using eating disorder behaviours to regulate or mask distress.
Anxiety
Anxiety is an important, natural human emotion – but when it becomes intense, persistent, or linked to food, weight, or body image, it can play a significant role in maintaining an eating disorder. It can heighten fears around eating, reinforce avoidance of feared consequences, or make routines feel “safer” than flexibility. Anxiety can be experienced both as ‘general’ anxiety or ‘eating-disorder–specific’ anxiety.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD involves intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours that aim to reduce distress. These patterns can overlap with food rituals, checking behaviours, or body-related fears.
Perfectionism
Clinical perfectionism – the setting of excessively high standards alongside a fear of failure – can drive restrictive eating, rigid body goals, or overwhelming pressure to “get things right”.
Trauma
Past trauma can siginificantly influence emotional regulation, coping strategies, and eating patterns. For some, eating disorder behaviours initially develop as a way to manage distress or numb difficult trauma memories.
Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism is not a mental health condition, but is very closely linked to many eating disorders. Sensory sensitivities, routine-based thinking, and differences in interoception can affect eating patterns and require adapted treatment approaches.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD can influence impulsivity, emotional regulation, routine, and interoceptive awareness – all of which may affect eating patterns or intensify binge–restrict cycles. Understanding ADHD traits helps ensure treatment is adapted in supportive, structured, and flexible ways.
Diabetes
Diabetes can create a complex relationship with food, monitoring, and body cues, and some individuals may experience heightened anxiety, guilt, or pressure around eating. When diabetes coexists with an eating disorder, treatment often needs to balance psychological support with medical considerations to ensure safety and reduce distress around self-management.
How We Address Comorbid Conditions in Treatment
At The London Centre, we take a psychology-led, integrated approach to care. Where possible, and with consent, our team of psychologists, psychotherapists, dietitians, OTs, and psychiatrists collaborate closely so treatment reflects every aspect of your wellbeing. Plans are always personalised and adapt over time — whether a co-occurring condition needs to be supported alongside eating disorder treatment or in a separate, focused phase.
Evidence-Based Therapies We Use
We offer a wide range of evidence-based approaches, including:
Each helps address the emotional patterns, beliefs, and behaviours that contribute to both eating disorders and related conditions.
When to Seek Help for
Comorbid Conditions
If symptoms such as persistent low mood, elevated anxiety, intrusive thoughts, trauma responses, or rigid perfectionism begin affecting daily life (or worsening eating disorder symptoms) it may be time to seek help. Early support can make recovery feel more achievable and prevent difficulties from becoming further entrenched. We encourage you to visit each linked condition page for more specific guidance.
Start your journey
Take the First Step Towards
Support and Understanding
You do not have to make sense of these experiences alone. Our expert team is here to offer compassionate, tailored support and help you understand what you need to move forward.
