Through the Eyes of Those Experiencing Eating Disorder/Substance Use Disorder Comorbidity

Eating disorders and substance use disorders commonly co-occur. This comorbidity represents the most deadly psychiatric comorbidity, making it a condition of urgent attention. There is currently a lack of understanding regarding the etiology of eating disorder/substance use disorder comorbidity, a dearth of assessment tools, a shortage of effective treatment options, and few available vehicles for relapse prevention. The aim of this study was to gain a holistic and in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of those with eating disorder/substance use disorder comorbidity. Modified grounded theory was employed in an effort to capture the complexities of eating disorder/substance use disorder comorbidity. The results of this study suggest that maladaptive schema, family systems, biology, and poor coping all play an underlying role in the manifestation of eating disorder/substance use disorder comorbidity. Further, peer support and engagement in treatment are factors in the recovery from eating disorder/substance use disorder comorbidity