Glossary / Lexicon

Eating Disorders are characterized by a disturbance in eating behavior. There are two main types of eating disorders,

• Anorexia Nervosa and
• Bulimia Nervosa.

Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by a refusal eat that leads to a below normal body weight.

Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by repeated binge eating followed by self-inducing vomiting, misusing laxatives, fasting, or excessive exercise.

Description

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can have detrimental effects on an individual's physical and emotional well-being. These disorders often involve unhealthy patterns of eating behavior, including restricting food intake, binge eating, and purging. Common types of eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Individuals with eating disorders may have distorted body image perceptions and an intense fear of gaining weight. These conditions can significantly impact a person's social, occupational, and personal life, leading to severe consequences if left untreated.

Application Areas

• Clinical psychology
• Counseling psychology
• Eating disorder treatment centers
• Educational settings
• Research studies on mental health

Treatment and Risks

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Nutritional counseling
• Family therapy
• Medication management for co-occurring conditions
• Risks include malnutrition, organ damage, and increased risk of suicide

Examples

• Anorexia nervosa
• Bulimia nervosa
• Binge eating disorder
• Orthorexia
• Rumination disorder

Similar Concepts and Synonyms

• Disordered eating
• Eating pathology
• Eating disturbances
• Feeding and eating disorders
• Food addiction

Articles with 'Eating Disorders' in the title

• Eating Disorders, Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS): Eating Disorders, Not Otherwise Specifi ed (EDNOS) refers to a category of eating disorders that includes problems that do not quite fulfill criteria for anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa

Summary

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterized by unhealthy eating behaviors, distorted body image perceptions, and emotional distress. These disorders can have severe consequences if not properly treated, affecting various aspects of a person's life. Common types of eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Treatment options typically include therapy, nutritional counseling, and medication management, while risks associated with eating disorders include malnutrition, organ damage, and increased suicide risk.

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