Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are serious and complex mental health conditions characterized by
persistent disturbances in eating behaviors and associated thoughts and emotions.
These disorders can profoundly impact physical health, emotional well-being, and
daily functioning. They arise from a combination of long-standing behavioral,
emotional, psychological, interpersonal, and social factors.
Types of Eating Disorders:
Anorexia Nervosa: Individuals see themselves as overweight even if they're
dangerously thin. They tend to weigh themselves frequently, severely restrict
food intake, and avoid certain foods they deem as "fattening."
Bulimia Nervosa: This involves episodes of overeating followed by behaviors
to avoid weight gain (purging), such as forced vomiting, excessive exercise, or
the use of laxatives.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED): Similar to bulimia, BED involves episodes of
excessive eating, but unlike bulimia, people with BED do not regularly engage
in purging, fasting, or excessive exercise.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): This disorder is
characterized by a restrictive eating or feeding pattern, but without concerns
about weight or body shape.
Pica: Involves eating non-food items, such as dirt or paper.
Symptoms:
● Physical: Dramatic weight gain or loss, dental issues (from vomiting or acidic
foods), fatigue, dizziness, or sleep problems.
● Behavioral: Obsession with food, dieting, or body size. Secretive eating habits,
frequent weighing, and excessive exercise might also be noted.
● Emotional: Intense fear of gaining weight, feelings of disgust or guilt after
eating, and reduced self-esteem or self-worth.
Causes and Risk Factors:
The exact cause of eating disorders is unknown, but a mix of biological,
psychological, and environmental factors is believed to contribute. These can
include:
● Genetic susceptibility
● Chemical imbalances in the brain
● Negative body image or self-esteem
● Societal pressures regarding appearance
Eating disorders are serious and complex mental health conditions characterized by
persistent disturbances in eating behaviors and associated thoughts and emotions.
These disorders can profoundly impact physical health, emotional well-being, and
daily functioning. They arise from a combination of long-standing behavioral,
emotional, psychological, interpersonal, and social factors.
Types of Eating Disorders:
Anorexia Nervosa: Individuals see themselves as overweight even if they're
dangerously thin. They tend to weigh themselves frequently, severely restrict
food intake, and avoid certain foods they deem as "fattening."
Bulimia Nervosa: This involves episodes of overeating followed by behaviors
to avoid weight gain (purging), such as forced vomiting, excessive exercise, or
the use of laxatives.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED): Similar to bulimia, BED involves episodes of
excessive eating, but unlike bulimia, people with BED do not regularly engage
in purging, fasting, or excessive exercise.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): This disorder is
characterized by a restrictive eating or feeding pattern, but without concerns
about weight or body shape.
Pica: Involves eating non-food items, such as dirt or paper.
Symptoms:
● Physical: Dramatic weight gain or loss, dental issues (from vomiting or acidic
foods), fatigue, dizziness, or sleep problems.
● Behavioral: Obsession with food, dieting, or body size. Secretive eating habits,
frequent weighing, and excessive exercise might also be noted.
● Emotional: Intense fear of gaining weight, feelings of disgust or guilt after
eating, and reduced self-esteem or self-worth.
Causes and Risk Factors:
The exact cause of eating disorders is unknown, but a mix of biological,
psychological, and environmental factors is believed to contribute. These can
include:
● Genetic susceptibility
● Chemical imbalances in the brain
● Negative body image or self-esteem
● Societal pressures regarding appearance
