Eating disorders are serious conditions that can have life-altering consequences. Although they are difficult to recognize and manage, there are treatments available for most people that work.
Many factors can lead to an eating disorder, including genetics and biology as well as psychosocial and environmental influences.
Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that causes individuals to obsess over their weight and food consumption. Usually, this affects young women but may also occur in men.
This disorder is typically the result of genetics and negative experiences. Symptoms may include anxiety, stress, depression, low self-esteem and difficulties resolving conflicts.
Mental illness such as bipolar disorder has one of the highest mortality rates of any mental health condition. Treatment involves working with a range of health professionals, including psychologists and dietitians, to improve eating habits and manage symptoms.
Anorexia nervosa can lead to severe weight loss and malnutrition, leading to physical complications as well as mental distress. Recovering from anorexia necessitates ongoing learning, self-help techniques and the support of family and friends for emotional stability.
Bulimia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder in which individuals binge (eat large amounts of food quickly) and then purge (force themselves to vomit or use laxatives, diuretics or other medications to lose weight). It usually begins during adolescence or early adulthood.
Bulimia often results in a sense of powerlessness over their eating, with worry about gaining too much weight, as well as an altered body image and low self-esteem.
Bulimia and other eating disorders can lead to serious health complications, such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and organ damage. Individuals with diabetes or obesity are especially at risk for these complications.
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder in which someone experiences persistent, severe and recurring failure to consume sufficient nutritious foods. This can lead to weight loss or malnutrition as well as serious medical repercussions across different body systems like cardiac, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, endocrine, bone health and neurologic function.
Children tend to develop this disorder more than adults, though it can occur at any age. People may restrict their food choices based on texture, taste, mouth feel or color; refuse new dishes out of fear for temperature or appearance; or avoid certain foods altogether due to fear.
Diagnosing ARFID in children can be challenging, but it can be treated. Early detection and intervention are the key to recovery. A combination of psychiatric and medical care may be needed; a therapist who specializes in eating disorders may offer psychoeducation and self-monitoring tools for patients to help with this.
Orthorexia nervosa
Orthorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an unhealthy obsession with “pure” or “clean” foods. People suffering from this condition restrict their dietary choices to organic, farm fresh, whole, raw and/or vegan options.
It’s not an uncommon eating behavior, but it can become a serious mental health issue if it becomes excessive and interferes with daily life. If dietary restrictions are taking up too much of your time, it’s essential to find ways to break the pattern and start practicing new eating techniques.
Exposure therapy is a common treatment for orthorexia, as it helps you gradually overcome your fear of eating certain foods. In these sessions, you’ll sample small amounts of something you haven’t eaten in some time and build up tolerance to it; eventually allowing you to stop worrying about them as much.