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Eating DisordersWhat are Eating Disorders?Eating Disorders are disturbances in eating behaviors as well as feelings of distress and extreme concern about body image and weight. These disorders involve unhealthy patterns of eating such as extreme reduction of food intake or severe patterns of overeating sometimes followed by purging (using methods to rid oneself of food taken in). There are three main Eating Disorders: Eating Disorders may have serious and potentially life-threatening consequences including electrolyte imbalances in the body and serious heart conditions which could lead to cardiac arrest. Eating disorders frequently co-occur with other mental illnesses such as:
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services on Women’s Health, most eating disorders begin between the ages of 12 and 25 years old. However, increasing numbers of older women and men have eating disorders. Females are much more likely than males to develop an eating disorder. The National Institute for Mental Health estimates that 5 to 15 per cent of people with anorexia or bulimia are male and an estimated 35 per cent of those with binge eating disorder are male. Main Categories of Eating DisordersPeople with Anorexia drastically reduce their intake of food. They also have unusual eating habits such as:
They may also weigh themselves constantly and engage in excessive exercise to control their weight. Symptoms of Bulimia include frequent episodes of eating excessive amounts of food and then almost immediately vomiting and/or using laxatives or diuretics in order to rid their bodies of the food. These behaviors are performed in secrecy and include feelings of disgust and shame at bingeing, followed by relief when purging. Health consequences related to bulimia include:
Binge Eating Disorder is not associated with purging behaviors, but the binges are associated with at least three of the following:
Health consequences of binge eating disorder include:
What Causes Eating Disorders?Many theories exist regarding what causes Eating Disorders, but they do appear to be affected by:
Society values and promotes thinness. Television, fashion magazines and movies clearly value thinness and the idea of having a perfect body. They promote the idea that one must be thin in order to be liked and recognized. Unstable family relationships contribute to eating problems. Often emotions are not dealt with effectively or directly within families, and patients develop poor coping skills for managing stress and overwhelming feelings. They sometimes turn to their bodies as a focus for control. Patients with Eating Disorders have a poor sense of self and low self-esteem. They attempt to master emotions and gain a sense of control by achieving a perfect ideal of thinness because they believe that being thin will lead to happiness. Warning signs of eating disorders are:
How Can Eating Disorders Be Treated?Eating disorders require comprehensive treatment plans due to their complexity. They require a range of interventions such as:
Psychotherapy addresses psychological disturbances such as body image, low self- esteem, and interpersonal conflicts. Additionally, the following can be effective:
With Anorexia, sometimes the initial goal of treatment includes ensuring a healthy weight. This may require medical treatment such as hospitalization. Once malnutrition has been corrected and weight gain has begun, individual psychotherapy and family therapy can help people overcome low self esteem and address distorted thought and behavior patterns. Supportive therapy and self-help groups may follow to provide ongoing support in the community. Additional Information about Eating DisordersNational Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
SAMHSA'S National Mental Health Information Center
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
EDA Eating Disorders Anonymous
Dr. Sharon K. Farber
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