Eating Disorder Disease Information

Eating disorders are serious mental health issues that involve irregular eating habits. They can lead to severe physical and emotional complications, and can even be fatal. These disorders are typically identified by an obsession with food and body image, and can include practices such as limiting food intake, gorging, purging, and compulsive overeating. Eating disorders can affect individuals of any age, gender, ethnicity, or financial status. People with eating disorders often have a warped view of their bodies, and become fixated on their weight and figure. They may try to manage their weight by cutting down on food or by engaging in dangerous activities like purging, fasting, or excessive exercising. Eating disorders are often accompanied by feelings of guilt, humiliation, and low self-esteem. Eating disorders can have serious physical and mental ramifications, including malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, organ damage, and death. Treatment for eating disorders typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, dietary guidance, and medication. With the right treatment and support, recovery is achievable.

1. Anorexia Nervosa
2. Bulimia Nervosa
3. Binge Eating Disorder
4. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
5. Pica
6. Rumination Disorder
7. Night Eating Syndrome
8. Orthorexia

1. Extreme concern about body weight and shape
2. Refusal to eat certain foods
3. Eating in secret or hiding food
4. Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty after eating
5. Making oneself vomit after eating
6. Excessive exercising
7. Extreme mood swings
8. Frequent dieting
9. Avoidance of social situations
10. Feeling out of control around food
11. Withdrawal from friends and activities
12. Use of diet pills, laxatives, or diuretics
13. Unusual food rituals, such as excessive chewing or not allowing foods to touch
14. Feeling cold all the time
15. Abnormal laboratory findings, such as low thyroid and hormone levels, low blood cell counts, and low potassium, calcium, and phosphate levels

1. Anorexic Nervousness
2. Bingeing Nervousness
3. Compulsive Eating Disorder
4. Aversive/Restrictive Eating Disorder
5. Cravings
6. Recurring Ruminations Disorder
7. Other Identified Eating or Feeding Disorder (OIFED)

An anorexia nervosa diagnosis is characterized by a preoccupation with food and dieting. It is a serious mental health issue that can have devastating physical health effects.

The handling of eating disorders is determined by the individual and the intensity of the situation. Treatment may involve a combination of medical, dietary, mental, and social intervention. Medical treatment may include routine physical tests, laboratory tests, and medications to assist with physical symptoms such as low blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances, or low blood sugar. Nutritional guidance may be used to help those with eating disorders form healthy eating habits and learn how to make better food choices. Psychological intervention may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other forms of psychotherapy to help individuals recognize and alter unhealthy thoughts and behaviors associated with their eating disorder. Social intervention may involve support groups and family therapy to help individuals construct a support system and learn how to handle their eating disorder.

1. Educate yourself. Acquire as much knowledge as you can about eating disorders and how they can affect you. Consult your doctor or a mental health specialist to get more information.
2. Establish a support system. Surround yourself with people who comprehend and back you up. This could include family members, friends, or other individuals with eating disorders.
3. Exercise self-care. Take time for yourself to do activities that make you feel good. This could include exercising, going for a stroll, or spending time with friends.
4. Look for professional help. If you’re having difficulty controlling your eating disorder on your own, think about seeking professional help. Speak to your doctor or a mental health specialist about treatment options.
5. Set achievable goals. Set goals that are attainable and concentrate on making small changes. Honor your successes, no matter how small.
6. Dispute your thoughts. If you’re having negative thoughts, question them. Ask yourself if they’re true and if they’re beneficial.
7. Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness can help you stay in the present moment and be more conscious of your thoughts and feelings.
8. Find healthy coping mechanisms. Find healthy ways to cope with difficult emotions, such as talking to a friend or writing in a journal.
9. Make healthy lifestyle decisions. Make healthy food choices, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly.
10. Look for help if you’re in crisis. If you’re in crisis, call a crisis hotline or go to the emergency room.