Depression in Anorexia Nervosa

The case histories of 84 patients with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa were evaluated on the basis of Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC) for Major Depressive Disorder and Endogenous Major Depressive Disorder. Fifty-six percent met RDC criteria for a major depressive disorder and 35% met RDC criteria for an endogenous depression. MMPI data revealed a mean depression (D) score of 68 with the mean profile showing elevation of scales 2(D), 7(PT) and 8(SC). This study suggests that depression is a more common accompaniment in patients with anorexia nervosa than is usually appreciated. The evidence suggests that anorexia nervosa and major depressive disorder may co-exist and the significance of this is discussed.