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Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia nervosa, are linked to many physical and mental problems. Many individuals who have eating disorders suffer from malnutrition, and as the disease progresses there can be significant damage to the heart. Eating disorders can even end in death, with anorexia nervosa having the highest mortality rate of all mental disorders.

Scientists have recently discovered that eating disorders can also cause specific complications for those who are pregnant. Besides difficulties with malnutrition and other physical concerns, the mental health of the mother may also be affected by the presence of an eating disorder while pregnant.

Researchers at the University of North Carolina have discovered a connection between eating disorders and pregnancy-related depression. Led by Samantha Meltzer-Brody, director of UNC’s Perinatal Psychiatry Program, the team examined the link between pregnancy-related depression and eating disorders, as well as a history of physical or sexual abuse.

The research is an important step to understanding depression associated with pregnancy. As reported in the study, published in Journal of Women’s Health, one in 10 women suffer from depression during their pregnancy or soon after delivery. Not only are the women suffering, but their families often don’t know how to help.

The researchers surveyed 158 pregnant and postpartum women who were already undergoing treatment related to their depression. The researchers found that a third of the women interviewed had a history of eating disorders.

Many of the women also reported having a history of physical or sexual abuse. The researchers believe that the presence of a history of psychiatric diagnosis may increase the likelihood that a woman will develop symptoms of depression during or after pregnancy.

Meltzer-Brody explained that there may not be a full understanding of how widespread both eating disorders and abuse are. There may be many more people predisposed to depression after pregnancy due to these symptoms than people appreciate.

Postpartum depression comes at a difficult time. Women who are pregnant or have just given birth are at a very vulnerable stage. Meltzer-Brody warned that untreated postpartum depression can cause major stress for the family and can create long-lasting problems for the child. Children of depressed mothers are more likely to develop mental health problems, and children of mothers with eating disorders are more likely to develop an eating disorder.

The researchers suggest that pregnancy offers an opportunity for doctors to help their patients identify and treat possible depressive symptoms and discuss the likelihood of depression presenting itself during pregnancy and immediately following childbirth.