INFLUENCE OF GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER ON EATING BEHAVIOR

Abstract

Introduction: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) has affected a significant portion of the world's population in recent years, due to behavioral, physical and emotional changes. Anxiety is characterized as a basic symptom of several psychological disorders that cause damage to the physical and social health of individuals, negatively influencing health and eating behavior, becoming a risk factor for diabetes, obesity and other comorbidities. Thus, this article seeks to understand and explain whether generalized anxiety disorder influences eating behavior and the development of nutritional disorders. Methodology: This is a bibliographic review, of a descriptive nature, developed from December 2022 to August 2023. Original articles in Portuguese and English, published between 2009 and 2023, were used as bases. Theoretical framework: There is evidence of a relationship between anxiety disorder and weight gain, whether due to a disorder of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, leading to changes in appetite and the dysregulation of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine. In addition, the diets of patients with anxiety disorders lack nutrients, such as essential vitamins and minerals, such as omega 3. Some nutrients have been identified as a differential in the treatment of anxiety, as nutritional correction is of great importance in behavioral health. Conclusion: it was concluded that generalized anxiety disorder has an influence on the eating behavior of individuals, in the face of hormonal and emotional dysregulation, causing changes in food choices, the individual's relationship with food, weight change and increased nutritional deficiencies.