There is a widespread misconception that eating disorders are a choice of lifestyle. In reality, eating disorders are severe and potentially fatal conditions linked to significant disruptions in individuals' eating habits and associated thoughts and emotions. Obsession with food, body weight, and shape could indicate the presence of an eating disorder.
1. Anorexia nervosa
2. Bulimia nervosa
3. Binge-eating disorder
are among the most common types of eating disorders.
What is Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a condition where individuals avoid food, severely restrict food intake, or eat very small quantities of only certain foods. They may also weigh themselves repeatedly. Even when dangerously underweight, they may perceive themselves as overweight. There are two subtypes of anorexia nervosa: restrictive and binge-purge.
Subtypes of Anorexia Nervosa:
Restrictive: People with this subtype severely limit the amount and type of food they consume.
Binge-Purge: Individuals not only restrict food but also have binge-eating and purging episodes—consuming large amounts of food in a short time followed by vomiting or using laxatives or diuretics.
Anorexia nervosa can be fatal and has an extremely high mortality rate compared with other mental disorders. People with anorexia are at risk of dying from medical complications associated with starvation, with suicide being the second leading cause of death.
Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa:
- Extremely restricted eating
- Extreme thinness (emaciation)
- Relentless pursuit of thinness and unwillingness to maintain a normal or healthy weight
- Intense fear of gaining weight
- Distorted body image and denial of the seriousness of low body weight
Symptoms may develop over time:
- Thinning of the bones (osteopenia or osteoporosis)
- Mild anemia and muscle wasting and weakness
- Brittle hair and nails
- Dry and yellowish skin
- Growth of fine hair all over the body (lanugo)
- Severe constipation
- Low blood pressure
- Slowed breathing and pulse
- Damage to the heart structure and function
- Brain damage
- Multiorgan failure
- Drop in internal body temperature, causing a person to feel cold all the time
- Lethargy, sluggishness, or feeling tired all the time
- Infertility
What is Bulimia Nervosa?
Bulimia nervosa is characterized by recurrent and frequent episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food and feeling a lack of control over these episodes. This binge eating is followed by compensatory behaviors such as forced vomiting, excessive use of laxatives or diuretics, fasting, excessive exercise, or a combination of these behaviors. People with bulimia nervosa may be slightly underweight, normal weight, or overweight.
Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa:
- Chronically inflamed and sore throat
- Swollen salivary glands in the neck and jaw area
- Worn tooth enamel and increasingly sensitive and decaying teeth as a result of exposure to stomach acid
- Acid reflux disorder and other gastrointestinal problems
- Intestinal distress and irritation from laxative abuse
- Severe dehydration from purging of fluids
- Electrolyte imbalance, which can lead to stroke or heart attack
What is Binge-Eating Disorder?
Binge-eating disorder is a condition where individuals lose control over their eating and have recurring episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food. Unlike bulimia nervosa, periods of binge eating are not followed by purging, excessive exercise, or fasting. As a result, people with binge-eating disorders often are overweight or obese. Binge-eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the U.S.
Symptoms of Binge-Eating Disorder:
- Eating unusually large amounts of food in a specific amount of time, such as a 2-hour period
- Eating even when you're full or not hungry
- Eating fast during binge episodes
- Eating until you're uncomfortably full
- Eating alone or in secret to avoid embarrassment
- Feeling distressed, ashamed, or guilty about your eating
- Frequently dieting, possibly without weight loss
What is Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)?
Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), previously known as selective eating disorder, is a condition where individuals limit the amount or type of food eaten. Unlike anorexia nervosa, people with ARFID do not have a distorted body image or extreme fear of gaining weight. ARFID is most common in middle childhood and usually has an earlier onset than other eating disorders.
Symptoms of ARFID:
- Dramatic restriction of types or amount of food eaten
- Lack of appetite or interest in food
- Dramatic weight loss
- Upset stomach, abdominal pain, or other gastrointestinal issues with no other known cause
- Limited range of preferred foods that becomes even more limited (“picky eating” that gets progressively worse)
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)
OSFED applies to individuals who do not meet the full criteria for anorexia, bulimia, or binge-eating disorder. They may experience clinically significant symptoms that are distressing and impact their relationship with food.
Subtypes of OSFED include:
- Atypical Anorexia Nervosa: Significant weight loss but within or above the normal weight range.
- Bulimia Nervosa of Low Frequency/Duration: Binge eating or compensatory behaviors occur less frequently than once a week or for less than 3 months.
- Binge Eating Disorder of Low Frequency/Duration: Binge eating occurs less frequently than once a week or for less than 3 months.
- Purging Disorder: Use of purging behaviors to influence weight or shape without binge eating.
- Night Eating Syndrome: Recurrent episodes of night eating not explained by external factors and causing significant distress and impairment.
Treatment for Eating Disorders
Effective eating disorder therapy includes a combination of psychological counseling, medical care, and nutritional guidance. Treatment focuses on restoring healthy eating patterns, addressing underlying psychological issues, and managing any medical complications. Approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family-based therapy (FBT), and sometimes medication.
Understanding the signs of eating disorders and seeking prompt, comprehensive eating disorder treatment can greatly improve outcomes for those affected by these serious conditions.
Frequently Answered Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Binge Eating Disorder (BED)?
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a serious eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food in a short period, often accompanied by feelings of loss of control. Unlike bulimia nervosa, these episodes are not followed by compensatory behaviors like purging, excessive exercise, or fasting.
2. What are the common symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder?
Common symptoms of BED include eating large amounts of food in a discrete period, eating even when not physically hungry, eating rapidly during binge episodes, eating until uncomfortably full, eating alone due to embarrassment, and experiencing feelings of shame, guilt, or distress after overeating.
3. How is Binge Eating Disorder diagnosed?
BED is diagnosed based on specific criteria, including recurrent episodes of binge eating at least once a week for three months. Diagnosis involves a thorough assessment by a healthcare professional, considering the individual's eating behaviors, emotional state, and any accompanying psychological issues.
4. What are the effective treatments for Binge Eating Disorder?
Effective treatments for BED include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals understand and change their eating behaviors and thought patterns, and interpersonal therapy (IPT), which addresses interpersonal issues contributing to the disorder. Medications such as antidepressants and anti-seizure drugs may also be prescribed. A comprehensive treatment plan often includes nutritional counseling and support groups.
5. Can Binge Eating Disorder lead to other health complications?
Yes, BED can lead to numerous health complications, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and gastrointestinal problems. It can also cause significant psychological distress, leading to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Early intervention and treatment are crucial to prevent these complications.