Abstract: Comorbid psychopathology, including self-harm and suicidal behavior, is often
found in patients with eating disorders. To better understand the reasons for high comorbid
psychopathology among eating disorders, self-harm, and suicidal behavior, we examined this
comorbidity in female patients hospitalized with eating disorders. In a sample of 47 girls admitted
for anorexia nervosa, atypical anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa, 72% had depressive
symptoms, 11% had obsessive-compulsive symptoms, 9% had anxiety disorder, 23% had
substance abuse, and 57% had disharmonious personality development. Suicidal behavior was
present in 60% of patients and self-harm in 49%. Association was found between self-harm
and suicidality. In all, 68% of girls with eating disorders had a positive score in the Children’s
Depression Inventory questionnaire and 62% of them in the Child Adolescent Suicidal Potential
Index questionnaire. Clinical examination of girls with eating disorders should focus on identifying
the risk of suicidal behavior and self-harm.