Eating Disorders

eating disorders have the highest morbidity rate of any mental illness
exist on a spectrum
tool used to cope with surroundings (often with a lack of self esteem); diseases
obsessions about food, weight, and body image
US: 8 million with eating disorders (7 million women, 1 million men)
almost 50% of all Americans know someone with an eating disorder
major forms: anorexia nervosa (1/200 women), bulimia (2 or 3/100 women), binge eating disorder (compulsive overeating)

anorexia

renamed anorexia nervosa in the 19th century from the Greek meaning “a nervous lack of appetite”
majority of cases develop between the ages of 12 and 16
characteristics * self-starvation * low self-esteem * morbid fear of fatness * distorted body image/body dysmorphia * cessation menstrual periods in women * 10-15% of those who struggle with anorexia are male * 50% recovery rate following treatment
medical complications * low tolerance for cold, hypothermia * low blood pressure * heart irregularities * mild anemia * brittle hair and nails * irregular or cessation of menstrual cycles * gastric, kidney, and metabolic damage * severe malnutrition * impaired judgement * electrolyte imbalance * rashes and dry skin * deterioration of vital organs * heart failure * muscle spasms * death

bulimia

derived from meaning “ox hunger”
most people begin in their late teenage years
characteristics * binging and purging of food * impulse eating * self-induced vomiting * abuse of exercise laxatives * self-esteem is determined by weight * affects people of all sizes * 10-15% of those who struggle with bulimia are male
medical complications * swollen salivary gland and facial puffiness * increased dental problems * gastric problems/excessive gas after eating * inflammation in the esophagus * injuries to the inside of the mouth * electrolyte imbalance * laxative abuse → colon damage * chronic indigestion * sore throat * constipation * irregular or cessation of menstrual periods * fatigue * dry skin * water retention * eye hemorrhaging * death

binge eating

eating mass amounts of foods in one sitting
characteristics * difficult to diagnose * consumption of a large amount of quantities in a single sitting * rollercoaster dieting * out of control around food
medical complications * hypertension (high blood pressure) * weight-onset diabetes * respiratory distress * cardiac distress * load-bearing joint pain

other eating disorders

EDNOS: eating disorders not otherwise defined or specified * disordered eating * can be difficult to recognize * frequent overating * eating late at night * hiding food * certain foods are “safe” or “off-limits”

encourage them to seek professional assistance * eg. group therapy, nutritional counseling, individual therapy
earlier diagnosis of eating disorder = easier recovery process