Eating disorder
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions characterized by persistent disturbances in eating behaviors and a preoccupation with body weight, shape, and food. These disorders significantly impact physical health, emotional well-being, and daily functioning. There are several types of eating disorders, each with distinct features:
Anorexia Nervosa: Individuals with anorexia nervosa have an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading to severe restriction of food intake, excessive exercise, and significant weight loss. They may also engage in behaviors like self-induced vomiting and misuse of laxatives or diuretics.
Bulimia Nervosa: This disorder involves recurrent episodes of binge eating, during which individuals consume large amounts of food in a short period, often feeling a lack of control. These binge episodes are followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise to prevent weight gain.
Binge Eating Disorder: Individuals with binge eating disorder regularly engage in episodes of consuming large quantities of food, often rapidly and to the point of discomfort. Unlike bulimia nervosa, there are no regular compensatory behaviors, leading to potential weight gain and related health issues.
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): This disorder is characterized by a restrictive eating pattern that leads to inadequate nutritional intake without the fear of weight gain or body image distortion seen in other eating disorders. It can result in significant weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and interference with normal growth and development.
Eating disorders can lead to severe physical complications such as heart problems, gastrointestinal issues, electrolyte imbalances, and bone density loss. They also often co-occur with other mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, and medical monitoring.
Cleveland Clinic (n.d) "Eating Disorders". Retrived from https://cle.clinic/3Cun9qP
American psychiatric association (n.d) "What are Eating Disorders?" Retrived from https://bit.ly/40NHejN
Mayo Clinics (n.d) "Eating disorders" Retrived from https://bit.ly/3Q4BZYd