Understanding Eating Disorders Types, Complications, and Risk Factors
Eating disorders are a type of serious mental health disorder characterised by severe disturbances in eating behaviour and related thoughts and feelings. Often, ED patients have an unhealthy preoccupation with food and body size, weight, or shape. The latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) recognizes four subcategories of eating disorders :
- Anorexia nervosa (AN)
- Bulimia nervosa (BN)
- Binge eating disorder (BED)
- Other eating disorders
Anorexia Nervosa (AN)
Anorexia nervosa, characterized by food restriction leading to significant weight loss or failure to gain weight, presents a distorted body image and an intense fear of gaining weight. The DSM recognizes two subtypes “Restrictive type” involves food access restrictions, while “Binge type” includes episodes of overeating followed by self-induced vomiting or excessive physical exertion.
Bulimia Nervosa (BN)
Bulimia nervosa involves uncontrollable binge eating episodes followed by purging methods. Unlike anorexia, individuals with bulimia can maintain a normal or above-normal body weight. Frequent episodes of binge eating characterize this disorder, occurring several times a week to several times a day.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
Binge eating disorder entails repeated binge eating, often without hunger, followed by intense feelings of shame and self-hatred. Unlike bulimia nervosa, there are no purging episodes after binge eating. This disorder results in depressive emotions similar to bulimia.
Other Eating Disorders
This category encompasses eating disorders not fitting into the above classifications, replacing the DSM-IV category “eating disorder not otherwise specified.” It includes Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED), which is diagnosed when an individual displays symptoms but does not meet the criteria for a clinical diagnosis.
Pica and Rumination Disorder
Pica refers to consuming non-nutritive substances for over a month, while Rumination Disorder involves painless regurgitation and re-swallowing of food. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is diagnosed when persistent failure to consume adequate energy and/or nutritional needs is observed.
Complications Associated with Eating Disorders
Eating disorders lead to severe health problems and, in some cases, death. Anorexia nervosa, in particular, is linked to a six-fold higher mortality rate, often due to natural causes like cancer. Severe calorie restriction can cause heart failure, endocrine disorders, osteoporosis, and gastrointestinal issues.
Risk Factors for Eating Disorders
Various factors contribute to the risk of developing eating disorders, including biological aspects such as genetic predisposition. Genetic studies show familial links, and psychological factors like perfectionism and cognitive inflexibility increase susceptibility. Correlations exist between eating disorders and anxiety disorders, with social anxiety being closely associated with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder.
Treatment of Eating Disorders
Early detection is crucial for effective treatment of eating disorders, which typically involves a multidisciplinary approach. Healthcare providers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, physicians, nutritionists, social workers, occupational therapists, and nurses, collaborate to provide nutrition education, counseling, psychological interventions, and address co-occurring mental health problems.
In conclusion, understanding the types, complications, and risk factors associated with eating disorders is vital for early intervention and effective treatment, emphasizing a holistic approach to recovery.