Depression and Eating Disorders in Adolescent Females

This systematic review collected peer reviewed articles examining the relationship between depression and eating disorders, to determine if females aged 10-25 who have depressive disorder or depression are at risk for also having an eating disorder(s). Articles were screened on PubMed and CINAHL, and other articles were added from the related articles panel or bibliographies of studies included. Nine articles were reviewed. All found a significant relationship between depression and eating disorders. About half of the studies examined sequence of the disorders and found a reciprocal chronological relationship. Because of the significant relationship, clinicians should screen for both disorders simultaneously to prevent the onset of either disease in young females. If either disorder is present, it should be treated with the assumption that the other will develop. More research is needed on this topic to determine chronology and underlying causes. MESH keywords: 10-25 year old females; depressive disorder; depression; eating disorde