Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders are biopsychosocial conditions, where genetics, the social environment and psychological factors play a role in their development. Eating disorders do not discriminate on gender, age, ethnicity or socioeconomic status. They are not a condition of vanity or something someone chooses to experience. Often times eating disorders develop from a simple lifestyle change, that sparks up an unhealthy relationship with food, the body, and/or exercise. Eating disorders thrive on secrecy and are perpetuated by shame.They can lead to severe physical and emotional consequences, but understanding them is the first step toward recovery.

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The DSM 5 recognizes the following feeding and eating disorders:

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1. Anorexia Nervosa: Characterized by restrictive eating and an intense fear of gaining weight, leading to significant weight loss and a distorted body image.

2. Bulimia Nervosa: Involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors, such as vomiting or excessive exercise, to prevent weight gain.

3. Binge Eating Disorder: Characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, often accompanied by feelings of loss of control and distress.

4. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): An extreme avoidance of certain foods or food groups, leading to inadequate nutrition without a focus on body image.

5. Pica: Persistent eating of non-nutritive, non-food substances (e.g., dirt, paper).

6. Rumination Disorder: Repeated regurgitation of food, which may be re-chewed, re-swallowed, or spit out.

7. Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED): Eating disorders that do not meet the criteria for the above categories but still cause significant distress or impairment.

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Although not recognized by the DSM 5 Orthorexia has been a term coined for an unhealthy obsession with eating foods that one considers healthy, leading to dietary restrictions and anxiety around food choices. It is often associated with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. 

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Causes and Risk Factors

Eating disorders can arise from a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Common risk factors include:

• Societal pressures and media portrayal of body image

• Trauma or stressful life events

• Family history of eating disorders or mental health issues

• High self-criticism and perfectionism

 

Signs and Symptoms

Recognizing the signs of eating disorders is crucial for early intervention. Common symptoms include:

• Significant weight changes

• Preoccupation with food, dieting, and body image

• Withdrawal from social activities

• Changes in mood and behavior

• Preoccupation with body shape and weight

• Constantly thinking about food

• Eating past the point of feeling full

• Counting calories

• Cutting out certain foods

• Exercising past the point of exhausting

• Avoiding wearing certain types of clothing.

• People who experience ARFID tend to have a different subset of symptoms where the avoidance of food is due to taste, texture, having had a negative experience of eating, or low interest in food. 

 

Impact on Health

Eating disorders can lead to severe physical and psychological health issues, including malnutrition, heart problems, and increased risk of anxiety and depression. It’s important to address these disorders promptly to minimize long-term consequences.

 

Support and Treatment Options

Recovery from an eating disorder is possible with the right support. Treatment may include:

• Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), family-based therapy, and group therapy can be effective.

• Nutritional Counseling: Working with a dietitian to establish a balanced and healthy relationship with food.

• Medical Intervention: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to address underlying mental health issues.

 

Getting Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, seeking help is crucial. Support can come from healthcare professionals, support groups, and hotlines. Remember, you are not alone in this journey.​

 

If one or more of the above symptoms resonates with you, please know that help is available. We provide evidenced-based treatment for eating disorders, we are Health At Every Size (HAES) aligned clinicians and me practice from diet-rejecting an intuitive eating approach to treatment. Your treatment is tailored to meet your own individual needs.