Eating Disorders
What are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are defined as behavioral conditions characterized by severe and persistent disturbance in eating behaviors and associated distressing thoughts and emotions (American Psychiatric Association).
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Common eating disorders in children and adolescents include:
Anorexia
Bulimia
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Types of Eating Disorders
Anorexia
Anorexia is characterized by self-starvation and weight loss resulting in low weight for height and age (American Psychiatric Association). It is crucial to understand the the signs and symptoms:
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Distorted self-image or intense fear of gaining weight, leading to severe food restriction
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Significant weight loss
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Dry skin, brittle nails, hair thinning, fatigue
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Social withdrawal, avoiding meals with others or making excuses not to eat
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Absence of menstrual cycles in females
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Low pulse rate, low blood pressure, and feeling cold often
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Irritability, mood swings, and signs of depression
Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder, except for opioid use disorder. It can lead to severe health complications, including heart problems, organ damage, and even death.
Bulimia
Bulimia nervosa involves a cycle of restrictive dieting followed by secret binge eating episodes, where large amounts of "forbidden" high-calorie foods are consumed rapidly and uncontrollably, often to the point of physical discomfort. These binges are typically accompanied by feelings of shame and embarrassment (American Psychiatric Association). Some signs and symptoms can include:
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Frequent episodes of binge eating, consuming large quantities of food in a short time
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Compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, laxative misuse, or excessive exercise
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Swollen cheeks or jawline, eroded tooth enamel, and/or calluses or sores on knuckles
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Persistent preoccupation with body weight and shape
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Fluctuating weight, often within a normal range, and secretive eating habits
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Feelings of guilt, shame, or distress after eating, along with gastrointestinal issues like bloating or chronic sore throat
While less common, bulimia nervosa can cause life-threatening complications, such as esophageal tears, gastric rupture, and serious heart rhythm abnormalities. Due to these risks, close medical supervision is crucial for individuals with severe bulimia to detect and manage potential problems.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
ARFID is a recently defined eating disorder that involves a disturbance in eating resulting in persistent failure to meet nutritional needs and extreme picky eating (American Psychiatric Association). Signs and symptoms can include:​
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Severe picky eating or disinterest in food
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Fear of choking, vomiting, or feeling full quickly
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Dependence on supplements or food avoidance by texture or smell
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Social withdrawal or distress during meals with unexplained GI issues
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Cold intolerance from low body fat or poor circulation
ARFID can cause significant physical and psychological harm, mirroring the effects of anorexia nervosa, but it's fundamentally different. The defining feature of ARFID is the absence of weight or shape concerns that characterize anorexia and bulimia.
Resources
National Eating Disorders Association
The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), the leading non-profit organization in its field, offers comprehensive support to those affected by eating disorders, while actively working towards prevention, effective treatments, and improved access to quality care.
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
ANAD, the leading U.S. non-profit, offers free, peer-based support for all individuals with eating disorders. Their nationwide network of volunteers, who have personally experienced eating disorders, provides unique understanding and guidance throughout the recovery process
Families Empowered and Supporting the Treatment of Eating Disorders
F.E.A.S.T. is a global non-profit providing crucial support to thousands of families in over 100 countries affected by eating disorders. We offer free programs and resources, fostering community and connection, and empowering parents to support their children through recovery.