Eating Disorders
A troubled relationship with food that masks deeper pain.
Eating disorders are serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact health, emotions, and ability to function. Common types include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.
Key Symptoms
- ◆Extreme restriction of food intake
- ◆Binge eating (consuming large amounts rapidly)
- ◆Purging behaviors (vomiting, laxative misuse)
- ◆Intense fear of weight gain
- ◆Distorted body image
- ◆Obsessive focus on food, calories, or dieting
- ◆Physical symptoms (hair loss, weakness, irregular heartbeat)
- ◆Social withdrawal around food
Common Causes
- ◆Genetic predisposition
- ◆Psychological factors (perfectionism, low self-esteem)
- ◆Societal pressure and media ideals
- ◆Trauma or abuse history
- ◆Other mental health conditions (anxiety, depression)
- ◆Dieting or weight-related teasing in youth
Treatment Options
- ◆Medical stabilization (for severe malnutrition)
- ◆CBT for eating disorders
- ◆Family-based therapy (especially for adolescents)
- ◆Nutritional counseling and meal support
- ◆Medications (SSRIs for bulimia, binge-eating)
- ◆Residential or inpatient treatment for severe cases
Key Facts
Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.
They affect people of all genders, ages, races, and body sizes.
Early intervention significantly improves outcomes.
Only 1 in 10 people with eating disorders receives treatment.