Are eating disorders linked to panic attacks?

Eating disorders are incredibly common — an estimated 28.8 million people in the U.S. will experience an eating disorder in their life. And while eating disorders can feel challenging to navigate on their own, they’re also linked to other co-occurring mental health conditions, including panic disorder.

If you find yourself navigating an eating disorder and also having panic attacks, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Understanding the connection between eating disorders and panic attacks is an essential first step in seeking treatment, allowing you to find relief from your symptoms. 

What do eating disorders and panic attacks have in common?

Understanding the link between eating disorders and panic attacks is key to getting the right help early. Because these issues often share similar causes and symptoms, treating them together can lead to lasting relief and better health overall. By recognizing these connections, you can take proactive steps toward recovery and find the support you deserve.

Similar causes 

Several factors can contribute to the development of both panic attacks and eating disorders.

• Anxiety: Eating disorders and panic attacks often coexist with high levels of anxiety. This can increase the likelihood of panic attacks. The constant pressure about food, body image, and control can heighten anxiety. These complex emotions paired with existing anxiety disorders can lead to episodes of panic.
• Perfectionism: People living with perfectionistic tendencies may expect themselves to achieve unrealistic or even impossible standards. This can include unachievable goals related to their appearance. Perfectionism can increase your risk not only of eating disorders but also of panic attacks. The fear of not living up to self-imposed expectations can trigger restrictive eating behaviors as a way to meet these standards. 
• Trauma: One study found that many people who experience eating disorders have also experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. As a result, past trauma, including abuse, can play a significant role in the development of eating disorders and panic attacks. For those navigating trauma, food may provide a way to regain control when emotions feel overwhelming. However, restrictive and disordered eating behaviors often backfire, which can fuel a cycle of anxiety that can lead to panic.

Similar physical symptoms

Eating disorders and panic attacks don’t just share similar underlying causes — they can also share physical symptoms, including:

• Heart palpitations: The malnutrition associated with eating disorders can put a notable strain on the heart. This may cause cardiovascular complications, including a racing heart. Heart palpitations are also a common symptom of anxiety and panic attacks.
• Shortness of breath: Like heart palpitations, shortness of breath is another cardiovascular symptom that may occur as a result of eating disorders. Shallow breathing can also show up with panic attacks. 
• Dizziness: Eating disorders may cause nutrient deficiencies that can affect how well the brain functions, causing dizziness and lightheadedness. Panic attacks can often lead to hyperventilation, which may cause dizziness as the body attempts to balance oxygen levels. 

Specific eating disorders and their relationship to panic attacks

Depending on the type of eating disorder, you may experience panic attacks in different ways and for different reasons.

• Anorexia nervosa: With anorexia nervosa, you may experience an intense fear surrounding eating or gaining weight. If you’re in a situation where you feel you no longer have control over food, this fear can be heightened, leading to panic attacks. Malnutrition as a result of anorexia can result in severe physical effects like fatigue and heart problems. As the body becomes more fragile and weakened, this can also increase feelings of panic.
• Bulimia nervosa: Bulimia nervosa is where eating or thoughts of weight gain cause anxiety and panic. These feelings can lead to purging behaviors as an attempt to cope with these emotions and regain control, which may ultimately contribute to a cycle of anxiety and panic.
• Binge eating disorder: When it comes to binge eating disorder, panic often comes after a binge episode. The overwhelming guilt, shame, and anxiety about overeating can trigger panic. 

Can eating disorders cause panic attacks?

Eating disorders can contribute to the development of panic attacks by heightening anxiety and fear related to food and body image. If you have an eating disorder, you may find yourself under constant mental and emotional pressure surrounding food and body image. You may also fear losing control. 

Anxiety disorders in children may be a risk factor for developing an eating disorder. As a result, the symptoms of eating disorders paired with those of generalized anxiety disorder can lead to panic attacks.

Eating disorders can also affect the nervous system. Malnutrition and dehydration due to restrictive eating or purging can disrupt the body’s nutrient balance. Over time, this can affect how well your body functions, from your brain to your heart. 

As the stress of disordered eating begins to disrupt the brain’s and heart’s functions, it can make it difficult to regulate your emotions and cope with stress. This can lead to heightened levels of anxiety and a greater risk of panic attacks.

Can panic disorder cause eating disorders? 

While eating disorders can cause panic attacks and panic disorders, the opposite is also true. Many people with panic disorder may develop disordered eating as a coping mechanism.

When you experience intense fear and anxiety or a panic attack, you may feel like you don’t have control over the situation. As a coping strategy, many people may use unhealthy or disordered eating behaviors to regain a perceived sense of control. This may be by managing your food intake or using food to cope with emotional distress.

Treatment for panic and eating disorders 

While experiencing co-occurring eating and panic disorders can feel incredibly difficult, know that both conditions are treatable. The following types of treatment can help you address root causes, manage symptoms, and regain a sense of control in your life. 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is one of the most common talk therapies, and it can help people with eating disorders and panic attacks. This form of therapy helps you better understand the relationship between thoughts and behaviors, targeting unhealthy or negative thoughts that may contribute to eating disorders and panic attacks.
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT): A type of cognitive behavioral therapy, DBT provides you with a safe space to learn emotional regulation. DBT can help you build coping skills and learn mindfulness and relaxation techniques like journaling to help you better navigate your emotions.
• Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help target anxiety and panic attacks. While this doesn’t have a direct impact on eating disorders, it can make it easier to seek and engage in treatment for both conditions. Make sure to talk to your provider to decide if medication is the right option for you. 
• Nutritional and dietary support: Eating disorders can take a toll on your body and mind, and restoring physical health is an essential first step. A nutritionist or dietitian can help you heal your relationship with food. 

Find care with Rula

Eating disorders are challenging mental health conditions that can be even more difficult to combat when paired with panic attacks and anxiety. If you or someone you love is living with eating disorders and panic, a mental health professional may be able to provide the treatment you need to find balance and a sense of control. 

With Rula’s easy-to-use therapist matching tool, you can find an in-network therapist who is accepting new patients. After finding the right therapist for your unique needs, you can schedule your first appointment as soon as tomorrow.

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