Eating disorders

Eating Disorders

Conditions involving eating too little, eating too much, or becoming preoccupied with weight and body shape, influenced by genetic, biological, behavioral, psychological, and social factors.

DSM-5

Diagnostic manual categorizing eating disorders like Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, Pica, Rumination Disorder, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder, and Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorder.

Anorexia Nervosa

Eating disorder characterized by persistent restriction of energy intake, intense fear of gaining weight, and disturbances in body weight perception, with subtypes like Restricting Type and Binge-eating/Purging Type.

Bulimia Nervosa

Eating disorder involving recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, leading to physical, physiological, and behavioral symptoms.

Binge Eating Disorder

Eating disorder marked by recurrent episodes of binge eating without compensatory behaviors, causing distress and physical, physiological, and behavioral symptoms.

Explanations for Eating Disorders

Factors like genetic links, low self-esteem, feelings of inadequacy, depression, anxiety, and psychological theories such as psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral theories.

Treatment for Anorexia

Three-tiered process focusing on weight gain, addressing psychological aspects, and maintaining long-term weight gain, with no superior specialist treatment identified for adults.

Strengths, Resources, Goals, and Values Exploration

The therapist collaborates with the client to identify and utilize the client's strengths, resources, goals, and values to understand how these factors may contribute to maintaining anorexia in their unique situation.

Collaborative and Motivational Approach

The therapy process involves a collaborative and motivational approach that includes risk monitoring, addressing nutrition, involving families and close others if beneficial, and considering daily activities to allow individuals to continue their regular routines.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Bulimia Nervosa

CBT is the primary treatment for Bulimia Nervosa, focusing on challenging societal beauty standards, questioning beliefs supporting severe food restriction, and establishing normal eating patterns as the treatment goal.

Maudsley Family-Based Therapy

Established as the leading treatment for youth with Bulimia Nervosa, this therapy involves the family in the treatment process.

Physical and Mental Health Impacts of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can lead to severe physical health issues like anaemia, osteoporosis, and heart damage in anorexia, while bulimia can cause throat issues, tooth enamel erosion, and heart problems. Binge eating disorder may result in high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other obesity-related complications. Additionally, individuals with eating disorders often experience higher rates of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse.

Misconceptions about Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are not a choice, lifestyle, odd eating habits, picky eating, or a culturally normal preoccupation with weight or shape. They do not always result in being too thin; individuals with eating disorders can be normal weight or overweight.