Are you or someone close to you struggling with a disordered relationship with food? While it’s not uncommon for us all to have days where our eating habits don’t align with our larger goals, if this is something that’s happening more often than not, there may be an underlying problem at play. Eating disorders can range in severity, making it difficult to recognize them without the help of a medical professional. But being able to name your specific feelings and behaviors can be a huge step towards getting the proper treatment and care needed. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most common types of eating disorder diagnoses: what they are, who they affect most frequently, and how they are treated by medical professionals.
Anorexia Nervosa – a disorder characterized by an extreme fear of gaining weight and restricted food intake
Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an unhealthy fear of gaining weight and a commitment to extreme levels of restricted food intake. It often goes hand-in-hand with other severe psychological and social issues, such as low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. In extreme cases, it can even lead to life-threatening consequences. For those living with this disorder, it can be incredibly difficult to break out of the cycle due to body image issues and distorted ideas about beauty, leading to further restricting behaviors. Although it can take time and effort, recovery is possible as there are now accessible treatments including psychotherapy, nutritional counseling and medication that support individuals in transitioning away from anorexic practices and reclaiming control over their lives.
Bulimia Nervosa – a disorder characterized by recurring episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging or over-exercising
Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder that affects approximately 1.5% of the adult population, primarily women. This serious disorder involves cycles of binge eating followed by excessive exercising and purging behaviors such as self-induced vomiting and laxative abuse, in order to control one’s weight. Often this harmful cycle leads to feelings of guilt, shame, and extreme anxiety. It can also lead to physical discomforts such as bloating, abdominal pain, exhaustion, dehydration, problems with digestion, and dental issues caused by acid erosion from frequent vomiting. If you or someone you know is struggling with bulimia it is important to seek professional help as the long-term effects of this disorder can be extremely damaging if left untreated.
Binge Eating Disorder – a disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of out-of-control eating in a short amount of time
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is an emotional disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of overeating, or consuming an unusually large amount of food in a short period of time. It can be accompanied by feelings of guilt, shame, distress, and embarrassment. Many individuals with this disorder have difficulty controlling the amount they eat and their eating behaviors during a binge episode even if they have full awareness that their eating can lead to negative consequences. Even though BED is one of the most common types of eating-related conditions, it is still underdiagnosed and undertreated. Individuals who think they may suffer from this disorder must seek help from a qualified professional to begin working through their issues related to food and eating patterns.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) – A disorder characterized by an avoidance of certain foods or refusal to eat due to texture, smell, taste, or other sensory experiences related to the food
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a mental disorder that can cause individuals to avoid or restrict food intake due to sensory experiences such as texture, taste, smell, and appearance. Symptoms of the disorder can range from extreme pickiness when it comes to food preferences to complete avoidance of entire food groups. ARFID can be life-threatening when it leads to severe dietary deficiency and slow growth in children who are still developing. Without proper treatment, individuals experiencing this disorder may develop inhibitors of social relationships as well as physical and mental health issues due to dietary deficiencies. Treatment for ARFID typically involves nutritional therapy and behavior modification, as well as psychological counseling if necessary. Professionals also often encourage family involvement to foster maladaptive behaviors regarding eating. All individuals need to be aware of this disorder so that potential symptoms can be identified early on for prevention and effective treatments.
Pica – a disorder characterized by the consumption of non-food items such as dirt, paper, soap, or hair
Pica is an abnormal condition where individuals crave and compulsively ingest objects which are completely inedible, such as dirt, paint chips, paper, clay, and rocks. In some cases, affected individuals may even attempt to consume items like soap, hair, or fabric. This rare disorder affects both children and adults worldwide; however, the onset of pica usually appears before the age of two in children. Although researchers still do not understand why it occurs, there are multiple theories. Mental health professionals believe that this disorder could be linked to nutritional deficiencies or environmental factors such as childhood upbringing or level of stress. Treatment can involve attempts to reduce the craving by supplying alternative nutrition sources instead of non-foods while also improving family dynamics through supportive therapy.
Rumination Syndrome – A disorder marked by the habit of re-chewing and re-swallowing food after its initial consumption
Rumination Syndrome is a disorder that has recently been identified but is still unfamiliar to many people. The main symptom is chewing food after it has already been swallowed, which can happen even minutes later. This habit can be uncomfortable for both those with the disorder and those around them due to the noises it produces. It can also cause nutritional issues since the food doesn’t have enough time to break down and is expelled shortly afterward. Although this disorder doesn’t affect many people relative to other conditions, its impact can be severe as it restricts activities like eating in public or at someone else’s home. People suffering from rumination syndrome should seek professional help so they can address any health or social consequences of the condition.
Eating disorders are serious mental health issues that can have long-term consequences. They require assessment and treatment from an experienced mental health professional. Recovery from any kind of eating disorder is possible with the right support systems in place and the availability of evidence-based treatments. It is important to remember that you are not alone during your journey and some people are willing to help you. Reach out to friends, family or healthcare providers if you feel like you have an unhealthy relationship with food. Everyone deserves the chance to live life without feeling shame and guilt about their body weight or shape, so never hesitate to seek help for yourself or a loved one.
