Eating Disorder

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What is Eating Disorder?

Eating disorders are behavioral conditions characterized by severe and persistent disturbance in eating behaviours and associated distressing thoughts and emotions.

Symptoms of Eating Disorder

1.
Skipping meals or making excuses for not eating
9.
Use of dietary supplements, laxatives or herbal products for weight loss
2.
Adopting an overly restrictive vegetarian diet
10.
Excessive exercise
3.
Excessive focus on healthy eating
11.
Calluses on the knuckles from inducing vomiting
4.
Making own meals rather than eating what the family eats
12.
Problems with loss of tooth enamel that may be a sign of repeated vomiting
5.
Withdrawing from normal social activities
13.
Leaving during meals to use the toilet
6.
Persistent worry or complaining about being fat and talk of losing weight
14.
Eating much more food in a meal or snack than is considered normal
7.
Frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws
15.
Expressing depression, disgust, shame or guilt about eating habits
8.
Repeatedly eating large amounts of sweets or high-fat foods
16.
Eating in secret

Causes of Eating Disorders

The exact cause of eating disorders is unknown. As with other mental illnesses, there may be many causes, such as:

Genetics and Biology

Certain people may have genes that increase their risk of developing eating disorders. Biological factors, such as changes in brain chemicals, may play a role in eating disorders.

Psychological and Emotional Health

People with eating disorders may have psychological and emotional problems that contribute to the disorder. They may have low self-esteem, perfectionism, impulsive behaviour and troubled relationships.

Risks and Complications of Eating Disorders

Family history

Certain people may have genes that increase their risk of developing eating disorders. Biological factors, such as changes in brain chemicals, may play a role in eating disorders.

Other mental Health Disorders

People with an eating disorder often have a history of anxiety disorder, depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Dieting and starvation

Dieting is a risk factor for developing an eating disorder. Starvation affects the brain and influences mood changes, rigidity in thinking, anxiety and reduction in appetite.

Stress

Whether it’s heading off to college, moving, landing a new job, or a family or relationship issue, change can bring stress, which may increase your risk of an eating disorder.

Complications

  • Serious health problems
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
  • Problems with growth and development
  • Social and relationship problems
  • Substance use disorders
  • Work and school issues
  • Death

Preventive Measures For Eating Disorders

Avoid Dieting Around Your Child

Family dining habits may influence the relationships children to develop with food. Eating meals together gives you an opportunity to teach your child about the pitfalls of dieting and encourages eating a balanced diet in reasonable portions.

Cultivate & Reinforce A Healthy Body Image

Talk to your child about self-image and offer reassurance that body shapes can vary. Avoid criticizing your own body in front of your child.

Talk To Your Child

It’s crucial to correct any misperceptions and talk to your child about the risks of unhealthy eating choices.

Enlist The Help Of Your Child's Doctor

Doctors may be able to identify early indicators of an eating disorder. The doctor visits should include checks of height and weight, which can alert you and your child’s doctor to any significant changes.

Types of Eating Disorder

Anorexia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa
Rumination Disorder
Binge-eating Disorder
Bulimia Nervosa
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake

Diagnosis of Eating Disorders

History, symptoms, thought patterns, eating behaviours
Weight and height comparison to previous records
Physical tests

Treatments For Eating Disorders

Psychotherapy

A mental health professional can determine the best psychotherapy for your situation. Many people with eating disorders improve with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

Maudsley Approach

This form of family therapy helps parents of teenagers with anorexia. Parents actively guide a child’s eating while they learn healthier habits.

Medications

Taking antidepressants or other medications can improve these conditions. As a result, your thoughts about yourself and food improve.

Nutrition Counselling

A registered dietitian with training in eating disorders can help improve eating habits and develop nutritious meal plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is it called when you don’t like eating?
Anorexia is a general loss of appetite or a loss of interest in food. When some people hear the word “anorexia,” they think of the eating disorder anorexia nervosa.
2. How do you know when you have an Eating Disorder?
Frequently consuming excessive amounts of food, followed by behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, laxatives, stimulants, excessive exercise or restricting food intake.
3. What is it called when you starve yourself?
Anorexia. If you get an anorexia diagnosis (known as anorexia nervosa), you’re not eating enough food. This means you’re not getting the energy you need to stay healthy.
4. Which eating disorder is the hardest to treat?
Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses. Some patients struggle in silence for years before seeking treatment.

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