Body size overestimation and depressed mood.

An association between depressed mood and body size overestimation has been reported in patients with anorexia nervosa. A study was conducted of body size estimation in a group of young women with no history of disturbed eating. Using a 'whole body' distorting monitor technique to assess size estimation a significant association was found between depressed mood and overestimating body size. The significance of this finding is discussed.