EATING DISORDERS

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions marked by disordered eating behaviors, body image disturbances, and intense emotional distress. They often arise from a mix of genetic, biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors—especially in individuals exposed to trauma, perfectionism, low self-esteem, or pressures related to weight and appearance.

Main Types:

• Anorexia Nervosa: Restriction of food intake, fear of weight gain, and distorted body image; often leads to dangerously low body weight.

• Bulimia Nervosa: Cycles of binge eating followed by purging (vomiting, laxatives, excessive exercise); usually within a normal weight range.

• Binge-Eating Disorder: Recurring episodes of uncontrolled eating without purging, often resulting in weight gain and emotional distress.

• ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder): Limited eating due to fear, sensory issues, or lack of interest—not tied to body image.

• OSFED: Clinically significant eating disorder symptoms that don’t meet full criteria for a specific diagnosis.

Eating disorders can cause severe health complications including heart problems, electrolyte imbalances, bone loss, infertility, and increased suicide risk. Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of all psychiatric conditions.

Effective treatment is multidisciplinary, often involving:

• Medical monitoring

• Psychotherapy (CBT, DBT, or Family-Based Therapy)

• Nutritional counseling

• Medication (for co-occurring conditions)

• Inpatient or residential care when medically necessary

Recovery is possible but typically requires long-term, integrated care tailored to the individual.