What Are Eating Disorders? Noticing The Signs
Eating disorders are a category of mental illnesses that relate to disturbances in thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors toward food, eating habits, and/or body size or weight. While they can affect people of any age, gender, race, or size, they’re most common in younger adults. In fact, statistics show that 95% of those with eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25. Since these illnesses can be both physically and physiologically damaging and even fatal, it’s important for teenagers and parents of teenagers in particular to recognize the signs and symptoms of eating disorders and to understand that effective treatment is available.
If you or a loved one is experiencing an eating disorder, you can contact the National Eating Disorder Association Helpline for support and resources at 1-800-931-2237 (M–Th from 9AM–9PM EST and Fri 9AM–5PM EST).
Types of eating disorders
That said, all forms of eating disorders have the potential to impact daily functioning, cause severe complications, and be dangerous for physical and mental health overall. With proper diagnosis and treatment, though, recovering from an eating disorder is possible.
It’s important to note that individuals of any weight, body shape, or size can have an eating disorder, even those that are considered to be at a ‘healthy average weight’ or ‘overweight’ according to the body mass index. Three of the most common eating disorders in teenagers are listed below. Keep in mind, however, that some people may experience symptoms from multiple eating disorders, other eating disorders not mentioned here, or other mental health conditions in addition to an eating disorder.
Anorexia nervosa
Often referred to simply as “anorexia,” this eating disorder involves severely restricting food intake. It can result in a low and even life-threatening body weight and/or damage to various body systems, which may shut down altogether if the condition is left untreated. A distorted body image, a deep fear of gaining weight, and a compulsion to tightly control caloric intake are hallmarks of this disorder. The dangerous behaviors associated with it are often unhealthy mental coping mechanisms that result from unaddressed emotional problems.
Bulimia nervosa
Often referred to simply as “bulimia,” this eating disorder involves a cyclical intake and output of food. It can result in dehydration, serious cardiac and digestive problems, and mouth, gum, and teeth diseases or issues. People with bulimia nervosa often binge eat, or consume food in excess in a short amount of time, and then engage in purging behaviors such as forced vomiting, exercising excessively, or taking laxatives to rid themselves of the calories as quickly as possible. These behaviors are typically related to a poor self-image and a low self-worth.
Binge eating disorder (BED)
Now officially recognized as a distinct diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), binge eating disorder is characterized by the regular consumption of unusually large amounts of food and a lack of control over what or how much one is eating. Unlike anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, people with binge eating disorder do not experience the compulsion to compensate for the calories consumed during a binge eating episode. Instead, they may experience feelings of shame and embarrassment related to their behaviors. BED can be life-threatening and damage various organ systems over time. Binge eating disorder is now the most common eating disorder in the United States.
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder is also characterized by rigid eating habits, like anorexia nervosa, but for different reasons—such as because of an aversion to the color or texture of certain foods, a fear of choking, or a lack of interest in food. This food intake disorder is more common in children and adolescents. Being a picky eater is not the same as experiencing an avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder like this, because it can lead to being significantly underweight and experiencing mental health challenges as well. As the Child Mind Institute reports, ensuring that a child gets treatment for this intake disorder as soon as possible can help decrease the likelihood of health complications and of continuing to experience symptoms into adulthood.
Risk factors for developing an eating disorder
Eating disorders may occur as a result of a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. The following may put an individual at a higher risk for developing an eating disorder:
- Having a family history of eating disorders or other mental health conditions
- Early childhood trauma or abuse
- Frequent dieting
- Certain personality tendencies like perfectionism
- Poor body image
- Experiencing bullying
- Being in a social situation or environment that encourages eating disorders
- Having another mental illness such as an anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or substance use disorder
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse in any form, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for immediate support, advice, and assistance.
The SAMHSA National Helpline for support with substance use is available 24/7 and can be reached by calling (800) 662-4357.
Symptoms of eating disorders
Since there are about a dozen distinct eating disorders, there’s no single set of symptoms that indicate that you or a loved one may be experiencing one. That said, some general signs that may mean you or this person could benefit from professional attention include:
- A preoccupation with food and eating
- A preoccupation with body size and/or weight
- Avoiding eating around others or entering social situations that involve food
- Hiding, being secretive, or lying about food or eating
- Social withdrawal
- Feelings of guilt and shame around food
- A warped image of their own body
- Significant weight loss or dramatic weight fluctuation
Society and media send all kinds of distorted messages about food, eating, weight, and bodies that can contribute to an unhealthy view of one’s own body and eating habits. Specific eating habits can also be a coping mechanism for people who are facing emotional problems, stress, or mental health disorders. If you or a loved one is experiencing attitudes or behaviors around food and eating that are causing or contributing to anxiety, a disruption in daily functioning, or physical or mental health difficulties, seeking help is recommended.
Treatment for eating disorders
It’s important to understand that eating disorders are clinical mental illnesses. They typically can’t be resolved simply through willpower or the encouragement to develop a healthy diet. The root of these disorders usually runs much deeper, with problematic eating habits simply being a manifestation of emotional problems that need to be addressed. That’s why psychotherapy is a common component of treatment for a range of different eating disorders.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in particular has been suggested to be an effective intervention in many cases, according to research, because it’s all about changing warped thought patterns in order to help shift unhealthy behaviors and improve mental health. Depending on the condition and its severity, nutrition education and medical interventions may also be a necessary part of treatment. If anxiety, depression, or substance use coexist with an eating disorder, these conditions may be treated through psychotherapy, medication, or both.
According to the National Eating Disorders Association, “early identification and treatment [for eating disorders] improve the speed of recovery, reduce symptoms to a greater extent, and improve the likelihood of staying free of the illness.” That’s why knowing the common warning signs can be so important. If you feel that you or a loved one is exhibiting some of them, seeking professional support can make a big difference in the possible outcomes. Even if you’ve just started to notice some potentially unhealthy or troubling thoughts or beliefs related to food and eating in yourself or someone in your life, finding a mental health professional to discuss them with can help prevent them from developing into a more serious condition.
Seeking therapy for eating disorders
If you or your child has developed worrying or dangerous behaviors around food and eating, you may want to begin by meeting with their doctor. In addition to whatever tests or treatments they may propose, you’ll likely also be encouraged to make an appointment with a mental health professional. For more serious symptoms or severe/advanced cases, in-person treatment with a therapist or psychologist will likely be recommended. For mild to moderate cases or those just noticing initial concerns about food attitudes and eating habits, online therapy may be an option.
In general, studies suggest that virtual therapy may offer similar benefits to in-person sessions for a range of conditions like depression and anxiety. For eating disorders in particular, recent research suggests that online CBT may be beneficial, especially since it “enables individuals to overcome barriers they may experience with face-to-face treatments, such as stigma, travel time and costs and availability.” One convenient option for online mental health care for teenagers is a virtual therapy platform like TeenCounseling. With parental consent, it can match those aged 13–19 with a licensed mental health professional who they can meet with via phone, video call, and/or in-app messaging from home or anywhere with an internet connection.
If the provider determines virtual therapy to be a good fit for your teen’s particular situation, it can be a potentially effective treatment for those who are experiencing an eating disorder or who may be at risk for developing an eating disorder. A therapist can provide a safe space in which your teenager can express and unpack their emotions, identify and shift any warped or unhealthy thought patterns around food and eating, and learn healthier coping mechanisms for dealing with emotional challenges. If you’re interested in online therapy, see below for client reviews of TeenCounseling therapists.
Counselor reviews
“Sarah has been so great for my 17-year-old daughter, who has been experiencing anxiety and related eating issues. She takes the time to listen and tries to understand the issues fully. She has given my daughter specific things to focus on and work on each week, helping her change her maladaptive thoughts into more healthy thought patterns. I also love that she communicates with me as her mother to understand my point of view of how things are going.”
Takeaway
Common questions found below:
What are the names of the eating disorders?
Common eating disorders include:
- Anorexia nervosa: characterized by limiting food intake, which often leads to low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, distorted body image. However, it is possible to have anorexia and not be underweight. Individuals who severely restrict food intake without being underweight may be diagnosed with atypical anorexia nervosa, which can have equally serious medical complications.
- Bulimia nervosa: involves recurrent episodes of binge eating, followed by purging behaviors (such as self-induced vomiting, laxative use, or excessive exercise) in order to prevent weight gain.
- Binge eating disorder (BED): the presence of binge eating episodes, which are defined by eating unusually large amounts of food and a lack of control over what or how much one is eating. The National Eating Disorders Association refers to binge episodes as eating large amounts of food even when not physically hungry, eating very fast, eating until one is uncomfortably full, eating in isolation, and experiencing feelings of shame or disgust afterwards. Unlike bulimia nervosa, an individual with BED does not engage in compensatory behaviors after a binge. It’s important to note that while many individuals with BED are overweight or obese, others are diagnosed with the condition at what is considered to be an average weight.
Other types of eating disorders that can be important to be aware of but are not as well known include:
- Orthorexia: can be thought of as a fixation with healthy eating, which can lead to cutting out entire food groups and eating only certain foods deemed ‘safe’ or ‘pure.’ Orthorexia differs from anorexia in that there is not a focus on the quantity of food eaten or weight loss, but on the quality or healthfulness of food consumed.
- Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID): previously known as selective eating disorder, it involves restriction of food intake due to aversion to certain characteristics of food or fear of consequences of eating. This is different from picky eating, as an individual with ARFID may experience significant weight loss (or lack of ability to gain weight in children), nutritional deficiency, and problems with daily functioning due to limitation around foods consumed
- Rumination disorder: involves the frequent regurgitation of food through re-chewing, spitting out, etc.
- Other specified eating or feeding disorder (OSFED): may be diagnosed when an individual does not meet the criteria of another disorder, but when there is still significant distress and impaired functioning around food, exercise and/or body image. Included in the OSFED category are purging disorder, atypical anorexia nervosa, night eating syndrome, or binge eating disorder or bulimia nervosa with limited frequency/duration.
Despite popular belief, you cannot tell by looking at someone whether they have an eating disorder. Individuals can be diagnosed with an eating disorder at any weight.
What's the most serious eating disorder?
Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses that can lead to serious health consequences. Anorexia nervosa in particular has a high death rate among mental disorders. The National Institute of Mental Health lists medical complications associated with anorexia nervosa, which include brittle hair and nails, decreased internal body temperature, loss of bone density, heart problems, kidney failure, etc. Physical symptoms that may occur as a result of purging behaviors present in bulimia nervosa include electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, swelling in salivary glands in the neck and jaw area, decaying teeth and tooth enamel, gastrointestinal problems, etc. Individuals living with binge eating disorder who are overweight or obese may be at an increased risk for developing certain health conditions like heart disease or diabetes. However, it’s important to note that not everyone with BED is overweight.
To avoid such health consequences, it’s crucial for individuals who believe they may have an eating disorder to seek treatment early. The National Eating Disorders Association affirms that recovery is possible, and there are various methods proven to be effective for treating eating disorders.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What eating disorder is the most common?
Binge eating disorder is thought to be the most common eating disorder in the US.
Is bulimia a mental illness?
Yes. Bulimia is a serious mental illness that can lead to physical and mental health complications. A person with bulimia will sometimes experience feelings of loss of control, followed by shame and an attempt to regain control by purging the body of the food they’ve consumed.
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