Many individual factors contribute to the development of mental health disorders and feeding and eating disorders (FEDs) (Martin et al, 2019). FEDs may have an affect on the mental and physical health of those impacted. In raw data from the Psychological Health Center of Excellence (PHCOE), the prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders in female active duty service members (ADSMs) who also meet the criteria for FEDs was significantly higher than the general ADSM population, 36% and 45% respectively (PHCOE, 2019). The aim of this review is to evaluate factors involving higher prevalence of coincident mental health disorders among female ADSMs in comparison to the general Active Duty population. A systematic review was conducted using a source deemed reliable for the completion of this project (Boland, Cherry, &
Dickson, 2017). Articles focusing on female ADSMs, FEDs, disordered eating, and anxiety and depressive disorders were considered. The data strongly suggests that there are significant correlations between FEDs and coincident mental health conditions but female ADSMs with FEDs are experiencing higher rates of coincident mental health disorders (PHCOE, 2019). Risk factors such as a history of trauma or adverse life events are factors in the development of mental health disorders. Elements of military life such as the focus on weight and shape, fitness testing, and standard uniforms may also contribute (Bakalar et al., 2017; Blinder et al., 2006; Bodell et al, 2014; Fisher McNulty, 2001; Harned and Fitzgerland, 2002; Hilbert, Pike, Golschmidt, et. al, 2014; Hudson et al., 2007; Martin et al, 2019; Swinbourne, Hunt, Abbott, et.al, 2012) . With high rates of coincident mental health disorders amongst people with FEDs, factors, including environmental and cultural factors that affect the development of FEDs and other mental health disorders should be researched further.
Arete: The PLNU Honors Journal