Eating disorders

Inflexible thinking

A common symptom of eating disorders, characterized by rigid thought patterns.

Calorie counting

A behavior often seen in eating disorders where individuals track their calorie intake obsessively.

Obsession with weight

An intense preoccupation with body weight and size, often linked to eating disorders.

Hypokalemia

Potassium level changes that can lead to heart rhythm dysregulation or seizures in individuals with eating disorders.

High self-esteem

A protective factor against eating disorders, indicating a positive self-image.

Body shape acceptance

A cultural factor that helps protect against eating disorders by promoting acceptance of various body types.

Genetics

A risk factor for eating disorders, indicating that they can run in families.

Co-occurring disorders (COD)

Mental health conditions that can exist alongside eating disorders, such as depression and PTSD.

Perfectionism

A symptom often seen in anorexia, characterized by setting unrealistically high standards.

Hypothermia

A potential symptom of anorexia, referring to an intolerance of cold due to low body weight.

Binge and purge

A behavior associated with anorexia, involved in both restricting food and then consuming large amounts followed by purging.

Menstrual cycle absence

A significant sign of anorexia in females, indicating severe weight loss.

Serotonin dysregulation

A biological risk factor associated with eating disorders, affecting mood and appetite.

Developmental risk factors

Factors related to upbringing and early life experiences that may contribute to the onset of eating disorders.

Family based treatment (FBI)

A more effective approach to treating eating disorders that involves family participation in the recovery process.

Final BMI target

The goal range for restoring nutritional balance in eating disorder treatment, typically between 20 and 25.

1/3 recover completely

Prognosis statistic indicating that one-third of individuals with eating disorders make a full recovery.

Chronic eating disorder

A condition that affects one-third of individuals who do not fully recover, where symptoms persist.

5% mortality rate

The percentage of individuals with eating disorders who may die from medical complications or suicide.

Median time between diagnosis and death

11 years; an important statistic regarding the serious impact of eating disorders.

Social skills

Coping mechanisms that serve as protective factors against developing eating disorders.

Coping skills

Techniques that help individuals manage stress and emotions and may guard against eating disorders.

Eating with family

A protective social factor that encourages healthy eating patterns and body acceptance.

Cultural factors

Societal influences that can impact the risk of developing eating disorders, such as beauty standards.

Depression

A psychological risk factor that often co-exists with eating disorders.

Obsessive compulsive behavior

A psychological trait that may contribute to the onset and maintenance of eating disorders.

Low self-esteem

A psychological risk factor for eating disorders, often linked to negative body image.

Ballet

An image-aware activity that may contribute to the development of eating disorders among participants.

Heart rhythm dysregulation

A potential consequence of electrolyte imbalances, such as low potassium levels in eating disorder patients.

Focus on making food for others

A behavioral shift in anorexia where individuals may concentrate on preparing meals for others rather than themselves.

Poor concentration

A cognitive symptom of anorexia that may manifest due to malnutrition.

Change in exercise pattern

An alteration in physical activity levels that can signal an eating disorder.

Weight or shape overvaluation

An intense preoccupation with body image that characterizes anorexia.

Risk factors in women

Eating disorders are notably more prevalent among females, especially in Western cultures and higher social classes.

Pelvic inflammatory disease

A potential complication related to the absence of menstrual cycles in females with eating disorders.

Medical complications

Health issues that may arise as a result of eating disorders, contributing to a higher mortality risk.

Sociocultural factors

Social and cultural influences that affect the prevalence and perception of eating disorders.

Image aware activity

Activities like ballet that can heighten awareness of appearance and increase the risk of eating disorders.