Despite the name, eating disorders are more than just about food. They’re complicated mental health issues that frequently require the participation of medical and psychiatric professionals to change their course.
Not everyone who engages in poor eating habits becomes afflicted with an eating disorder. An eating disorder can develop when disordered eating behaviors are combined with severe concerns about weight, body shape, food, and body image in some people. This could have a major influence on their physical and emotional well-being.
There are a variety of reasons that can contribute to eating disorders. Examples of such factors are genetics, brain biology, personality traits, and cultural standards. It is best to know and understand the different eating disorder symptoms.
Here are six common types of eating disorders:
1. Anorexia nervosa
People with anorexia believe they are overweight, even though they are dangerously underweight. Anorexia has two subtypes: the restricting type and the binge eating and purging type. The restricting type loses weight only by diets, fasting, or severe activity. People who binge eat and purge may eat a lot or consume little. In both circumstances, people purge after eating by vomiting, taking laxatives or diuretics, or exercising excessively.
2. Bulimia nervosa
People with bulimia commonly eat huge amounts of food in a short period of time. Each binge eating episode usually lasts until the person feels sick, then purge. During a binge, the person typically feels unable to stop eating or manage their intake. Unlike anorexics, people with bulimia normally maintain a normal weight rather than becoming underweight.
3. Binge eating disorder
People with binge eating disorders eat excessive amounts of food in short periods of time and lack control. Unlike anorexics and bulimics, binge eaters do not purge or restrict their intake. Overweight or obesity is common in those who suffer from binge eating disorders.
4. Pica
Pica is an eating problem that involves eating non-food objects with no or little nutritional value, like hair, dirt, and paint chips. Pica patients are more prone to poisoning, infections, stomach injuries, and nutritional deficits. It can be lethal depending on what is consumed.
5. Rumination disorder
It’s a condition in which a person regurgitates food that they’ve already chewed and swallowed, re-chews it, and then swallows or spits it out. Typically, this ruminating happens within the first 30 minutes after a meal. It’s not a medical disease like reflux, and it’s completely voluntary. Rumination disorder can affect anyone at any age, from children to adults.
6. Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)
Disturbed eating is a symptom of this disease, and it can be caused by a lack of appetite or a dislike of specific odors, tastes, colors, textures, or temperatures. It’s critical to emphasize that ARFID extends beyond common behaviors like picky eating in toddlers or reduced meal intake in the elderly. This disorder tends to interfere with a person’s normal social functions, such as eating with others.
Eating disorders are common mental illnesses that require treatment. If left untreated, they can be harmful to health. If your behavior around food affects your physical and emotional well-being or someone you know has an eating disorder, seek treatment from a healthcare provider who specializes in eating disorders. Mental Health America is also offering a free and confidential Eating Disorder Screening Test.
