An Overview Of The Types Of Eating Disorders And Their Impact
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can severely affect the body and mind and are diagnosed based on specific patterns of behavior related to eating. These conditions have varied causes and may incite a sense of guilt and distress. Individuals and loved ones who can spot the signs of eating disorders early may find intervention sooner and receive quality care.
What are eating disorders?
Eating disorders are mental disorders that significantly affect a person’s eating behaviors, often leading to physical and psychological problems. They can affect people of any age, gender, or background.
What are the symptoms of an eating disorder?
Symptoms vary depending on the type of eating disorder someone is living with. For example, anorexia nervosa is often characterized by extreme weight loss and a fear of gaining weight. In contrast, bulimia nervosa involves episodes of binge eating followed by purging through vomiting or excessive exercise. People with eating disorders may show signs like excessive worry about food, avoidance of social situations involving meals, and rapid weight changes. However, note that not all people with eating disorders lose weight, and some eating disorders are not caused by a desire to lose weight at all.
What causes eating disorders?
Causes of eating disorders can vary and include genetic, biological, and psychological factors. Multiple factors often combine to contribute to the development of an eating disorder. For example, stressful life events and family history of mental disorders may play a role.
Some individuals may develop eating disorders due to underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. Cultural ideals of thinness and exposure to media promoting unrealistic body standards may worsen the risk of an eating disorder.
Types of eating disorders: Binge eating disorder, anorexia, bulimia, and others
Various eating disorders can affect a person's relationship with food and body image. Left untreated, eating disorders may lead to health complications.
Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by extreme weight loss and a debilitating fear of gaining weight. People with anorexia might drastically restrict calorie intake and exercise excessively. As a result, having this condition may cause a dangerously low body weight. Those affected may have a distorted body image, seeing themselves as overweight even when they are underweight. Complications may include severe malnutrition, heart problems, and osteoporosis (bone loss).
Bulimia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa involves episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors, such as vomiting, using laxatives, or excessive exercise to prevent weight gain. People with bulimia often experience a loss of control during binges. The cycle of binge eating and compensatory behaviors may cause severe physical health problems, including electrolyte imbalances, stomach troubles, and tooth damage from throwing up often. Even if the person appears to have a “normal weight,” the health risks are still serious.
Binge eating disorder
Binge eating disorder involves repeatedly eating a lot of food quickly, often to the point of discomfort. Unlike bulimia, people with this disorder do not try to "make up" for the eating afterward with compensatory behaviors. Living with binge eating disorder may lead to obesity and health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Those with this condition experience shame, guilt, and upset after these binge-eating episodes.
Avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)
Avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a selective eating disorder involving severe picky eating and avoidance of foods based on their appearance, smell, or taste. This condition can cause nutritional deficiencies and severe weight loss. Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is not linked to body image concerns. Avoiding certain foods may lead to missing essential nutrients, affecting overall health.
Pica
Pica occurs when someone eats non-food items like dirt, chalk, or hair. This behavior can cause serious health problems, such as poisoning, blockages in the stomach, and infections. While pica is often found in children and people with developmental disabilities, the condition can happen to anyone. Get medical and psychological help quickly if you notice urges to eat non-edible items.
Rumination disorder
Rumination disorder involves regurgitating food, which may be re-chewed, re-swallowed, or spit out. This process usually happens within 30 minutes of eating and occurs repeatedly. The condition can lead to weight loss, malnutrition, and electrolyte imbalances and is not due to a medical condition. People with this condition may benefit from behavioral therapy to manage their symptoms.
Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED)
OSFED is a category in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) for eating disorders that don't fit the exact criteria for other types but still cause problems and distress. Examples are atypical anorexia nervosa (where a person's weight is average), purging disorder (purging without binge eating), and night eating syndrome (eating too much at night). These conditions require a proper diagnosis and treatment to avoid long-term health problems.
If you think you or someone you know might have an eating disorder, see a doctor or healthcare provider. They can run tests and talk with you to determine what's happening and how best to help. Getting the correct diagnosis and treatment early may aid recovery and overall health.
How to manage eating disorders
Managing eating disorders often involves medical, nutritional, and psychological care. Treatment for eating disorders is often personalized.
- Medical care: Consult a healthcare provider to check on physical health and any complications. Regular check-ups can monitor progress.
- Nutritional counseling: Dietitians work with people with eating disorders to develop balanced meal plans. These plans may restore positive eating habits and ensure adequate nutrition.
- Therapy: Different forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), may be used to manage the mental aspects of eating disorders. Therapy may help clients identify and change unhealthy thoughts and behaviors related to food and body image.
- Medication: In some cases, doctors may prescribe medication to treat underlying mental health challenges like depression or anxiety. There are also different medications that may be prescribed to treat binge eating.
- Support groups: Support groups may provide a sense of community. These groups may also offer emotional support and practical advice from others who have gone through similar experiences.
The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide any information regarding which drugs, medication, or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. You should not start, stop, or change any medications without consulting a qualified medical professional.
Self-care for eating disorders
Self-care strategies may help you manage symptoms of eating disorders. Below are methods to try:
- Mindfulness: Mindfulness can help individuals stay grounded and make more conscious choices.
- Journaling: Writing down thoughts and feelings may be useful for processing emotions and identifying situations that incite disordered eating habits.
- Exercise: Moderate physical activity may improve well-being but is often recommended under medical advice to prevent over-exercising.
Managing eating disorders can take time and determination. In addition to self-care and professional treatment, a supportive environment can aid recovery.
Finding professional help for eating disorders
Seeking professional help is often a step in managing eating disorders. If you notice signs like extreme weight changes, obsessions with food, or disrupted eating habits, consider seeking a specialist. You can use these steps to start:
- Talk to your doctor: Your doctor can refer you to an eating disorder specialist to guide you through what you're going through.
- Search online directories: Use resources like the National Eating Disorders Association to find treatment centers and practitioners.
- Contact helplines: You can call the helpline offered by the National Alliance for Eating Disorders for assistance.
Other factors to consider when finding help
There are several factors you can consider when finding help, including the following:
- Level of care: Different treatments are offered for various severity levels. Some may involve inpatient care, while others might provide outpatient support.
- Credentials: Ensure the specialist has experience and credentials in treating eating disorders.
- Comfort: Being comfortable with your therapist or counselor may help you make the most progress.
Finding adequate support can make a difference for some people in managing or recovering from an eating disorder. A mental health professional can monitor your condition and identify underlying challenges you might experience.
Other support options for those living with an eating disorder
Finding therapy for eating disorders can be challenging when one experiences barriers like a lack of time or difficulty connecting with someone in person. In these cases, online support options like BetterHelp can offer cognitive-behavioral therapy and other modalities from home. Through an online platform, you can schedule sessions at times that fit your schedule, including evenings and weekends. In addition, online therapy may be more cost-effective.
Research indicates that online CBT may reduce symptoms related to eating disorders. One study developed and tested an online self-help treatment for bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder that included CBT techniques. The treatment was found to be effective, with around 73% of participants completing the program and showing significant improvements in symptoms. By choosing to seek online support, individuals can take a proactive step toward managing their eating disorders in a way that fits into their lives.
Takeaway
Eating disorders are serious conditions that affect many people and can have severe impacts on overall health. Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. With awareness, individuals and their loved ones may identify the signs or symptoms and seek help. Medication, support groups, and online therapy are potential options for treatment.
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