HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Depression, Anxiety, Comfort Eating. Prescribed Citalopram. Suggest

Hello, I have just been prescribed Citalopram for anxiety and depression, I have never experienced these feelings of depression before and have noticed ive began comfort eating in the last month or so which I have also never done before, was wondering if the citalopram tablets will help in stopping me do this as this is also getting me down, thanks for looking at my question,
Thu, 25 Apr 2013
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

Some persons tend to binge eat whenever they are depressed or cannot cope with or handle their conflicts or stressors. This is an unhealthy psychological defense mechanism or coping strategy.

If you have never had an eating issue in the past then it is likely that the current problem is due to your current episode of depression and anxiety. In this case, it is likely that this unhealthy eating behaviour will stop once your depression and anxiety resolve. However, I would still advise you to try and avoid this behaviour as it can get reinforced and become a habit whenever you are feeling stressed.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
I find this answer helpful

 1 user finds this helpful

3 Doctors agree with this answer


Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Escitalopram oxalate


Loading Online Doctors....
Depression, Anxiety, Comfort Eating. Prescribed Citalopram. Suggest

Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query. Some persons tend to binge eat whenever they are depressed or cannot cope with or handle their conflicts or stressors. This is an unhealthy psychological defense mechanism or coping strategy. If you have never had an eating issue in the past then it is likely that the current problem is due to your current episode of depression and anxiety. In this case, it is likely that this unhealthy eating behaviour will stop once your depression and anxiety resolve. However, I would still advise you to try and avoid this behaviour as it can get reinforced and become a habit whenever you are feeling stressed. Wish you all the best. Regards, Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar Consultant Psychiatrist