What Happens When Teen Mood Disorders and Eating Disorders Collide?
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Emma was a happy 15-year-old once known for her easygoing nature and infectious laughter. She did well in school and had plenty of good friends, but her parents started to notice changes in her attitude and behavior during the early teen years. Subtle signs, like social withdrawal and bursts of frustration, became more noticeable to her parents.
Another dinner in her room…more slammed doors… eye rolls…sleeping in until noon. Her parents wondered if this was what all teens were like or if Emma was dealing with something more?
As the school year went on, Emma became suddenly preoccupied with dieting and calorie counting. At home, she’d riffle through the pantry, reading labels of her once-favorite snacks, only to toss them aside. Instead of eating dinner with the family, Emma would make excuses to avoid eating her meals.
Her parents started to piece together the puzzle.
What Emma was facing was more than a mood swing or bad day. Like one in seven 10-19-year-olds, Emma was showing signs of a teen mood disorder…and an eating disorder? Her parents knew she needed help, so they reached out for professional support.
The Science Behind Teen ‘Moodiness’
Teens like Emma deal with academic pressure, unrealistic social media expectations, and the need to be accepted daily. These common stereotypical adolescent behaviors actually have some clear scientific explanations.
Hormonal fluctuations, like changes in estrogen and testosterone, can trigger mood swings and heightened emotional responses. The brain's reward system, driven by neurotransmitters like dopamine, is in flux, making teens more susceptible to intense emotions and seeking novel experiences.
Additionally, environmental factors, like academic stress, peer relationships, and the quest for identity, all impact mood. More specifically, the amygdala, a region linked to emotions, matures earlier than the prefrontal cortex, potentially amplifying emotional responses.
Is Your Teen Withdrawn, Depressed, or Anxious About The Way She Looks?
In Emma’s case, social withdrawal was one of the first red flags that her parents noticed. Parents, educators, and caregivers play a vital role in supporting the emotional well-being of teenagers, and being vigilant for signs of teen mood disorders is essential. Observing persistent changes in mood or behavior can be a critical first step.
Research shows that approximately 80 percent of individuals with eating disorders also develop another psychological disorder at some point in their lives.
Sadly, eating disorders are the deadliest mental health conditions. Deaths from eating disorders are even higher than deaths due to opioid overdose. Because eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness (1 in 5 people), seeking treatment is essential for both recovery and survival.
Exploring the Overlapping Signs of Teen Mood Disorders and Eating Disorders
If you are a parent or caregiver to a teenager like Emma, who may be battling a mood or eating disorder, we know it can be overwhelming and challenging. Since mood disorders, like depression and anxiety, and eating disorders, such as anorexia, binge eating, or bulimia, often occur together, it’s essential to get help.
Remember, mood disorders often go beyond the typical mood swings associated with adolescence and can lead to serious consequences if left untreated. Some common signs of teen mood disorders include:
• Prolonged and pervasive changes in mood, such as persistent sadness or irritability.
• Disruptions in sleep patterns, either excessive sleeping or insomnia.
• Changes in appetite and energy levels.
• Social withdrawal or avoidance of activities once enjoyed.
• Decline in academic performance.
• Excessive guilt or feelings of worthlessness.
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
• Physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, or unexplained aches and pains.
If you suspect your teen is suffering from an eating disorder, watch out for changes in habits such as:
• Obsession with Food and Dieting
• Constantly talking about or researching diets and weight loss
• Expressing dissatisfaction with body size or shape.
• Changes in Eating Habits
• Drastic reduction in food intake or strict calorie counting.
• Frequent avoidance of meals or specific food groups.
• Evidence of secretive eating or eating alone.
• Body Image Disturbance
• Excessive focus on perceived flaws or imperfections.
• Wearing baggy clothes to hide body shape.
• Physical Signs:
• Complaints of physical discomfort after eating.
• Mood swings, irritability, or increased isolation.
• Avoidance of social activities involving food.
• Increased anxiety around meal times.
• Excessive Exercise.
• Compulsive exercising not related to specific athletic goals.
• Feeling distressed if unable to exercise.
• Denial or Secrecy:
• Denying the seriousness of weight loss or eating habits.
• Hiding food or evidence of purging.
• Fatigue, weakness, or dizziness.
• Hair loss or growth of fine body hair.
• Menstrual irregularities in females.
Treating The Root Cause Of Teen ‘Moodiness’ Can Save Lives
Emma's parents understood the gravity of her situation, and rather than dismissing it as a bad day or normal teen behavior, they took proactive steps to get the proper psychiatric support. Now, Emma is a happy and healthy teenager with the tools and support she needs to navigate life's challenges.
If you notice signs of a teen mood disorder that may be linked to an eating disorder in your child, reaching out for support is a crucial step toward their well-being.
We’ve worked with some pretty great teens who needed extra help navigating these complex adolescent challenges, and we’d love to help your teen, too! By seeking help early, you offer your teen the opportunity for timely intervention and contribute to their journey toward recovery and resilience.
Don't hesitate to contact us — together, we can provide the support and guidance necessary to address the root causes of these struggles and pave the way for a healthier, happier future for your teen.




