Eating Disorders Overview: Anorexia, Bulimia, and BED

Anorexia Nervosa

Inability to maintain normal body weight, <85% ideal.

Subtypes of Anorexia

Restricting and binge eating/purging types.

Purging Behaviors

Includes vomiting, laxatives, or diuretics.

Fear of Weight Gain

Intense anxiety about gaining weight.

Amenorrhea

Absence of menstruation for 3 months.

Prevalence of Anorexia

0.3 to 1% prevalence, 9x in females.

Comorbid Conditions

Includes anxiety, depression, and osteoporosis.

Mortality Rate

5% per decade, highest among psychiatric disorders.

Bulimia Nervosa

Normal weight or overweight, binge eating episodes.

Binge Eating

Rapid consumption of large food amounts.

Subjective Binge

Typical food amount felt out of control.

Objective Binge

Unusually large food amount with loss of control.

Binge-Purge Cycle

Cycle that can dominate a person's life.

Purging Subtype

Involves vomiting, laxatives, or diuretics.

Nonpurging Subtype

Compensates by fasting or excessive exercise.

Prevalence of Bulimia

1-3% women, 0.1-0.3% men.

Psychiatric Comorbidity

80% with BN have another psychiatric disorder.

Binge Eating Disorder

Regular binge eating without compensatory behaviors.

Average Duration of BED

Typically lasts 14 years.

Cultural Differences

Eating disorder symptoms vary across ethnic groups.

Hypothalamus Role

Regulates appetite and weight control.

Neurotransmitter Changes

Altered serotonin and dopamine in eating disorders.

Family Dynamics

Enmeshment and rigidity in psychosomatic families.

Cognitive Distortions

Distorted thoughts about body shape and weight.

Treatment Challenges

Weight restoration in anorexia is particularly difficult.

CBT

Focuses on correcting faulty cognitions about eating.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Targets reduction of eating disorder symptoms.

Family-Based Interventions

Involves family support in treatment process.