Abstract
Background:
Depression is a common mental disorder, which can impair the daily life function to a larger extent. There is growing evidence that the diet can influence the physiological processes involved in the development of depression. So, this study aims to detect the presence of anorexia nervosa in Saudi patients with depression which help in modifying treatment plans that could provide better treatments for the depressive disorders.
Methodology:
This is a cross-sectional study. A total of 110 Saudi patients were selected to answer the Hamilton questionnaire. Analysis of the recorded data was done to explore the relationship between dietary habits and depression.
Results:
The present study has found the loss of weight in 41 patients according to the response received for Hamilton questionnaire with significant correlation with degree of depression.
Conclusions: There is a proportional relationship between depression and anorexia nervosa. Patients with depression should be further monitored for low eating habits in order to prevent them from entering the category of patients with anorexia nervosa which could act as a gateway to multiple diseases of malnourished status.

Key words: Depression, anorexia nervosa (AN), dietary disorder, hamilton questionnaire