module 5 - eating disorders

Why obesity is not a mental disorder?

It reflects energy imbalance and environmental factors, not psychological dysfunction.

Major eating disorders 

Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge-Eating Disorder, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).

Anorexia Nervosa definition

Restriction of intake → low body weight, fear of weight gain, body-image distortion.

Key symptoms of anorexia

Underweight, rituals around food, perfectionism, amenorrhea, cardiovascular and bone issues

Anorexia subtypes

Restricting and Binging/Purging.

Anorexia mortality rate

About 5–10%; highest of all psychiatric disorders.

Bulimia Nervosa

Recurrent binges with compensatory behaviors (vomiting, fasting, exercise); weight often normal.

Bulimia complications

Electrolyte imbalance, tooth erosion, GI problems, cardiac risk.

Binge-Eating Disorder

Binges without compensatory behaviors; loss of control and distress.

ARFID 

Food avoidance due to low interest or sensory aversion → weight loss and nutrient deficiency.

Problems with classifications of eating disorders

Frequent diagnostic crossover and “Other Specified” cases that don’t fit categories.

Gender differences in eating disorders

More common in women; linked to thin-ideal pressure and hormonal factors.

High-risk groups of eating disorders?

Sexual minorities and gender-diverse individuals face higher rates.

Medical complications of Anorexia & Bulimia 

Anorexia – heart and bone loss;

Bulimia – electrolyte and dental damage;

both carry mortality risk.

Weight suppression concept

Difference between highest and current weight; may alter hunger hormones and increase drive to eat.

Sociocultural theories

Media and peer pressure promote thin ideal → body dissatisfaction and dieting.

Psychological theories

Personality (perfectionism, impulsivity) and emotion-regulation issues contribute.

Biological theories

Genetic heritability (40–60%), neurotransmitter dysfunction (serotonin/dopamine), hypothalamic changes.

Anorexia treatments

Family-Based Therapy for adolescents; weight restoration; no pharmacologic gold standard (Olanzapine helpful).

Bulimia treatments

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and SSRIs (Prozac); Interpersonal Therapy as alternative.

Binge-Eating treatments

CBT and medications (SSRIs, Vyvanse).

Eating-disorder mortality summary

Anorexia highest mortality; Bulimia and Binge-Eating lower but still elevated due to medical and suicidal risk.