Eating Disorder Info.

An eating disorder is a complex compulsion to eat in a way which disturbs physical, mental, and psychological health. The eating may be excessive (compulsive over-eating); to limited (restricting); may include normal eating punctuated with episodes of purging; may includecycles of binging and purging; or may encompass the ingesting of non-foods. The most heard about eating disorders are Anorexia nervosa and Bulimia nervosa. The most widely and rapidly spreading eating disorder is compulsive overeating or Binge eating disorder. These are also the three most common eating disorders. All three have severe consequences to a person's immediate and long-term health and can cause death. There are numerous theories as to the causes and mechanisms leading to eating disorders.

A person with an eating disorder may have started out just eating smaller or larger amounts of food than usual, but at some point, the urge to eat less or more spirals out of control. Eating disorders are very complex, and despite scientific research to understand them, the biological, behavioral and social underpinnings of these illnesses remain elusive.

There are several eating disorder treatment options that one can choose from. The Internet is a plethora of information on eating disorder treatment programs. Before you start to look into eating disorder treatment programs you may want to find out more information on eating disorders, the symptoms of eating disorders and what types of sources provide eating disorder treatment.

There are three types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and ED-NOS (Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified). Young women with these disorders often have an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. The phrase "body image" means the thoughts and feelings people have about their physical appearance. Young women with eating disorders may start to eat less because they are afraid of gaining weight. Sometimes they binge (overeat, consuming very large quantities of food) and sometimes purge this food (by self inducing vomiting, over-exercising or using laxatives). Eating disorders affect a person's physical and emotional health. They are very dangerous illnesses and can be fatal if they are not treated.

Information provided by the Eating Disorder Referral and Information Center is not a substitute for medical treatment or psychological care. It is vital that you talk with your physician and a qualified mental health professional regarding eating disorder symptoms and treatment.

Types of eating disorder treatment include receiving therapy or going to meetings with an eating disorder support group. Other resources where one can receive eating disorder treatment include staying at a treatment center that helps individuals who suffer from an eating disorder or joining an online community.

Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a disorder in which individuals eat excessive amounts of food in a short period of time and afterwards eliminate this food from their body through some type of purging behavior. It is estimated that 1.1 to 4.2% of the female population suffers from BN5. However, less is known about the population of males suffering from BN. As is the same with estimates of AN, prevalence rate does not consider the amount of individuals who are experiencing similar behaviors as seen in BN, but who do not qualify for a formal diagnosis.

Eating disorders often are long-term illnesses that may require long-term treatment. In addition, eating disorders frequently occur with other mental disorders such as depression, substance abuse, and anxiety disorders (NIMH, 2002). The earlier these disorders are diagnosed and treated, the better the chances are for full recovery. This fact sheet identifies the common signs, symptoms, and treatment for three of the most common eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder (NIMH, 2002).

Girls with anorexia may have dizziness, heart problems, low blood pressure, low temperature and fainting spells. Anorexia causes hair and fingernails to become brittle and loss of hair on the head. Dry skin, dehydration, and constipation are also symptoms of anorexia. People with anorexia often feel depressed, tired and cold. Anorexia also causes lanugo, which is the growth of soft furry hair on face, back and arms. Anorexia can result in slow or stunted growth. Menstrual periods usually stop since there is not enough estrogen to maintain the body's normal function. Not having enough estrogen or other hormones can lead to osteoporosis or weak bones. The combination of osteoporosis and over exercising can lead to stress fractures.

The frequent vomiting and nutritional deficiencies that often accompany eating disorders can have severe consequences on one's oral health. Studies have found that up to 89% of bulimic patients show signs of tooth erosion.

Absolutely, eating disorders and the underlying issues behind a person's disorder can be treated. The sooner a person seeks out treatment, the better the outcomes are for recovery. Because of their complexity, eating disorders require a comprehensive treatment plan involving psychological counseling, medical care, and nutrition therapy. At the time of diagnosis, the clinician must determine whether the person is in immediate danger and in requirement of hospitalization.

Recent attention has been paid to another category of eating disorder, binge eating disorder. Similar to those suffering from BN, individuals with binge eating disorder consume large quantities of food in a short amount of time. However, these individuals do not use compensatory behavior in an attempt to eliminate their food. Prevalence of binge eating disorder is on the rise; however, more research is needed to fully understand the scope and nature of this disorder.

Bulimia nervosa - People who have bulimia eat an excessive amount of food in a single episode and almost immediately make themselves vomit or use laxatives or diuretics (water pills) to get rid of the food in their bodies. This behavior often is referred to as the "binge/purge" cycle. Like people with anorexia, people with bulimia have an intense fear of gaining weight.

Binge-eating disorder - People with this recently recognized disorder have frequent episodes of compulsive overeating, but unlike those with bulimia, they do not purge their bodies of food (NIMH, 2002). During these food binges, they often eat alone and very quickly, regardless of whether they feel hungry or full. They often feel shame or guilt over their actions. Unlike anorexia and bulimia, binge-eating disorder occurs almost as often in men as in women (National Eating Disorders Association, 2002).

Parents who maintain healthy body images within the home while providing nutritious food choices for their families can help to prevent the development of an eating disorder. Parents can be powerful role models by displaying positive attitudes about body image and eating. While eating disorders have a high genetic component1, building a positive foundation with food and body image is essential.

There are some detrimental things that educators can do when addressing a child they suspect may have an eating disorder. Some of these include casting a net of awe and wonder around the existence of an eating disorder and oversimplifying that eating disorders are "just a phase".

Bulimia is hard to detect from looking at a person since the health problems a teen may suffer from are not as obvious as with anorexia. For example, someone may have a normal weight, but still have bulimia. Also, they may be secretive about their eating habits so that even their family and friends are not aware that they have a problem. Bulimia is serious and can cause permanent damage to the teeth, stomach, digestive track, and heart.

To reduce or eliminate binge and purge behavior, a patient may undergo nutritional counseling and psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or be prescribed medication. Some antidepressants, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), which is the only medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating bulimia, may help patients who also have depression and/or anxiety. It also appears to help reduce binge-eating and purging behavior, reduces the chance of relapse, and improves eating attitudes.

The Something Fishy Website on Eating Disorders is not meant as a replacement for care from your doctor. If you are in medical crisis please contact your doctor, eating disorder treatment team, therapist or dial 911 (or equivalent local emergency number in your area).

Binge-eating disorder is characterized by recurrent binge-eating episodes during which a person feels a loss of control over his or her eating. Unlike bulimia, binge-eating episodes are not followed by purging, excessive exercise or fasting. As a result, people with binge-eating disorder often are overweight or obese. They also experience guilt, shame and/or distress about the binge-eating, which can lead to more binge-eating.