Key information from the case study
Often, an anxiety disorder precedes an eating disorder, which might be Anita’s case. At this point, her eating-related behaviors are moderately problematic (distorted body-image, emotional eating, a sense of lack of control during eating). Nonetheless, if not appropriately addressed, there is high likelihood that these early signs will develop into a full-blown eating disorder (bulimia nervosa / anorexia nervosa).
Possibly co-occurring: Body Dysmorphic Disorder and (mild) Substance Use Disorder (DSM-5, APA, 2013).
Primary Diagnosis Generalized Anxiety Disorder There is a strong possibility that Anita suffers from GAD. Individuals with GAD experience perpetual, chronic and most frequently unfounded worry. In some cases it disrupts work, studies, social activities. Physical symptoms include gastrointestinal ...
