Why are eating disorders the only mental health condition that seems contagious?

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I know there's a lot of talk in the media about celebrities becoming worryingly thin lately, but I've always wondered why EDs seem so uniquely spreadable? Afaik, other mental health conditions aren't really like that. People don't become depressed or anxious just because they see their favorite celebrity or the people around them are, for the most part. I just feel like EDs move like the smile demon in a way that other disorders don't. Is there a reason for this?

Posted Dec 7, 2025, 10:47 PM UTC

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