A relapse occurs when an individual engages in eating disorder behaviors for a longer period of time and has more difficulty getting back on track. Stressful life events can cause relapses to occur, and the individual might require more support from mental health professionals.

Relapse

A lapse is a single occurrence of an eating disorder behavior. A lapse can be recovered from more easily if the person recognizes and understands it, and learns how to use skills to prevent it from happening again in the future.

Lapse

A collapse occurs when the individual is unable to recover from a relapse. This may require shifting to more intensive treatment, such as inpatient or residential treatment, to help improve symptoms and get extra support. 

Collapse

University of California, Berkeley

There are many risk factors that can cause eating disorder relapse. Relapse in patients with anorexia nervosa is most likely to occur within the first 18 months after treatment, and about 35% of patients relapse. Relapse in patients with bulimia nervosa is most likely to occur within the first 2 years after treatment, and about 41% of patients relapse.

Eating Disorder Relapse

Derrick, A. P. (2019, November 28). Eating Disorder Relapse Is Common. https://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/blog/recovery/Eating-Disorder-Relapse-is-Common 

Eating Recovery Center: Eating Disorder Relapse Is Common

1. Longer duration of disorder
2. Age - the older the person is when they start recovery, the more likely that relapse will occur
3. Excessive exercise after recovery
4. Struggles with body image and low self esteem
5. Negative and stressful life events

Eating Disorder Relapse Risk Factors

Types of Eating Disorder Relapse

1. Increased thoughts around weight and food
2. Perfectionistic tendencies and need for control
3. Hopelessness and sadness
4. Body checking, weighing self
5. Eating less and/or avoiding certain foods
6. Purging
7. Need to exercise more
8. Isolation from others
9. Feeling guilty after meals

Signs of an Eating Disorder Relapse

1. Create a support system
2. Acknowledge things that trigger the eating disorder thoughts and behaviors
3. Work on developing healthy coping skills
4. Ask for help when needed
5. Recognize victories

Relapse Prevention

Citations for references on eating disorder relapse

References for Eating Disorder Relapse

Covid has brought on many challenges for people globally. Individuals with eating disorders, in particular, are at risk for increasing severity of their symptoms. In addition, people may also be at higher risk for developing eating disorders.

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