Eating Disorders Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, clinical features, treatments, and nursing considerations for eating disorders.

Anorexia Nervosa

An eating disorder marked by self-imposed starvation, intense fear of weight gain, and distorted body image.

Restricting Type (Anorexia)

Subtype of anorexia nervosa in which weight loss is achieved mainly through dieting, fasting, or excessive exercise without regular purging.

Binge-Eating/Purging Type (Anorexia)

Subtype of anorexia nervosa that includes recurrent episodes of binge eating or purging (e.g., vomiting, laxatives).

Bulimia Nervosa

Eating disorder characterized by recurrent binge episodes followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain.

Binge Episode

Rapid consumption of a large amount of food in a short period with a feeling of loss of control.

Purging

Compensatory behavior such as self-induced vomiting, laxative, diuretic use, or excessive exercise to eliminate calories.

Binge-Eating Disorder (BED)

Recurrent binge episodes without compensatory behaviors; often associated with obesity.

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder

Atypical or partial-syndrome eating disorders that cause clinically significant distress or impairment.

Body Image Disturbance

Distorted perception of body size or shape, commonly seen in anorexia nervosa.

Family Enmeshment

Blurred or rigid family boundaries resulting in over-involvement; frequently observed in families of clients with anorexia.

Lanugo

Fine, downy body hair that develops in response to extreme weight loss and hypothermia.

Bradycardia

Resting heart rate abnormally low (can be as low as 30 bpm) due to severe malnutrition.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Psychotherapy that links thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to modify dysfunctional eating patterns.

Family Based Therapy (FBT)

Treatment model for adolescents in which parents take active responsibility for restoring the child’s weight and normal eating.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Antidepressant medications used to improve mood and reduce preoccupation with shape/weight, especially in bulimia.

Russell’s Sign

Calluses or abrasions on knuckles/fingers caused by self-induced vomiting.

Hypokalemia

Dangerously low serum potassium that can result from frequent vomiting or laxative abuse.

Food Diary

Record of all food eaten plus associated thoughts and emotions; tool used in CBT for eating disorders.

Obesity

Body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher; common consequence of binge-eating disorder.

Hyperlipidemia

Elevated blood lipid levels; medical complication linked to obesity.

Medical Stabilization

First treatment priority to correct life-threatening physiological imbalances in severe eating disorders.

External Locus of Control

Belief that control lies outside oneself; clients may ‘honor the disease’ rather than their own needs.

Compensatory Behaviors

Actions taken to avoid weight gain after binging, such as vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, or excessive exercise.

Non-food Coping Strategies

Relaxation, distraction, or other techniques used to manage emotions without turning to food.

Patient Education

Primary nursing intervention that teaches clients and families about disorder, nutrition, and healthy coping.

Social Media Influence

Exposure to online images and messages that idealize thinness and affect eating behaviors.

Cultural Idealization of Thinness

Historical and societal preference for slim female bodies that shapes body image norms.

Meal Supervision

Nursing intervention of sitting with clients during meals and monitoring for 1–2 h afterward.

Food as Medication

Concept in anorexia treatment that adequate calorie intake is essential, much like taking prescribed drugs.

Planned Grocery Shopping

Outpatient strategy for bulimia to support structured meal planning and avoid binge-trigger foods.