Eating disorders, depression, and anxiety among East Asian American young adults in the United States: patterns of mental health service use

OBJECTIVE: This study (1) examined associations between probable anxiety and depression with probable eating disorders (ED) among East Asian American young adults ages 18-25 years; and (2) assessed mental health service use patterns among East Asian American young adults with probable EDs and probable depression and/or anxiety. METHODS: Multivariable logistic models were employed to estimate the association between the outcome of a probable ED and the exposure variables of probable depression and anxiety, and the association between the outcome of lifetime mental health service use and the exposures of a probable ED and probable depression and/or anxiety. RESULTS: = 17,276) with a probable ED had 1.27 times the odds (95% CI: 1.21, 1.35) of receiving counseling for a mental health concern compared to those without a probable ED. Those with probable depression and/or anxiety had 2.19 times the odds (95% CI: 2.09, 2.30) of receiving counseling compared to those without probable depression and/or anxiety. The interaction term between probable ED and probable depression and/or anxiety indicated that those with both probable depression and/or anxiety and a probable ED had a lower than expected odds of receiving counseling. DISCUSSION: Probable depression and anxiety are associated with probable EDs among East Asian American young adults. East Asian American young adults with probable EDs have a lower probability of lifetime mental health service use than young adults with probable depression and/or anxiety. Future research should examine barriers to accessing counseling and ED-specific treatment obstacles experienced by this group.