Eating disorders are psychological conditions with both emotional and physical symptoms. Eating disorders take on a life of their own so that eating, or not eating, becomes the focus of everyday existence. A common misconception about eating disorders is that they only affect women, but the reality is that 15% of people with diagnosed eating disorders are men.
Whether you’re a worried parent, a concerned friend or have suspicions about your own behavior, these are the different eating disorders and the signs to watch out for.
What causes eating disorders?
There is no single cause of eating disorders but some people are more likely than others to experience them.
Eating disorders are more about issues of control and self-worth than about food. The ability to control food intake and the body itself become tightly connected to feelings of self-worth.
Eating disorders usually mask other problems. They may start as a way of coping with personal issues, but in time they create more problems than they solve. It’s common for persons with eating disorders to have other mental health problems such as depression, anxiety or substance abuse issues.
References:
- Binge-eating disorder (2013). In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5. 5th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2013. Retrieved October 1, 2018 from: http://dsm.psychiatryonline.org.
- Binge eating disorder. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Retrieved October 1, 2018 from: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/binge-eating-disorder.
- Body dysmorphic disorder. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5. 5th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2013. Retrieved October 1, 2018 from: http://www.psychiatryonline.org.
- Eating disorders. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Retrieved October 1, 2018 from: https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Eating-Disorders/Overview.
- Forman S.F. Eating disorders: Overview of epidemiology, clinical features, and diagnosis. Retrieved October 1, 2018 from: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search.
