Psychiatry -- Ask The Experts

Between the ages of 4 and 11, I suffered from epilepsy and had a lot of trouble with all of the medications the doctor put me on.

Could this predispose me to an eating disorder? Answered by: Evelyn Attia

Neither epilepsy nor the fact that someone received medication during childhood should predispose someone to developing an eating disorder.

Having said this, I will add that there are some medications for epilepsy and for other disorders that may affect appetite or cause weight gain or weight loss and these weight changes could set the stage for difficulties with eating or thoughts about body shape or weight after discontinuation of the medication.

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Evelyn Attia, M.D.
Director, Eating Disorders Research Program

Dr. Evelyn Attia is The Director of The Columbia Center for Eating Disorders at NYSPI/CUMC, and a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons.

Dr. Attia received an A.B. from Princeton University, and an M.D. from Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons. Formerly the director of NYSPI's inpatient eating disorders program, Dr. Attia is currently studying the psychobiology and treatment of anorexia nervosa. She has received a Young Investigator Award from the National Alliance for Research in Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD),...
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