Overview of Eating Disorders and Their Characteristics #4

Binge Eating

Rapid, distressing consumption of large food amounts.

Objective Binge Episodes

3x typical portion; exceeds 2000 calories.

Subjective Binge Episodes

Loss of control over normal or small food amounts.

Binge Episode Characteristics

Occurs alone; may include high-calorie or healthy foods.

Triggers for Binge Eating

Emotions, tempting food, body image dissatisfaction.

Bulimia Nervosa

Binge eating followed by compensatory actions.

Compensatory Behaviors

purging, excessive exercise, fasting

Associated Features of Bulimia

Dental erosion, electrolyte imbalance, kidney failure.

Anorexia Nervosa

Food refusal leading to dangerously low body weight.

Symptoms of Anorexia

Extreme weight loss and fear of weight gain.

Defining Features of Anorexia

70% report depression; high substance abuse rates.

Medical Features of Anorexia

Starvation leads to organ damage, dry skin, brittle nails , electrolyte imbalance

Social Etiologies of Anorexia

Cultural thinness

Familial Influence

Parental food perceptions affect child intake.

Biological Factors

Low serotonergic activity changes sleep, body temp, appetite, mood, aggression, cognition, motor activity, and circadian rhythm

Psychological Factors

Low self-confidence and perfectionistic attitudes.

Binge Eating Disorder

Episodes with distress; may not include compensatory behaviors.

DSM-5 Criteria for Binge Eating

Recurrent episodes with lack of control; distress present.

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

A problem with eating/feeding, not due to body image concerns, that results in inadequate nutrition or calorie consumption.

Obesity

Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher.

Night Eating Syndrome

Consuming 1/3+ daily calories after dinner.