Types of Eating Disorders

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Anorexia is characterized by an abnormally low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of their body image. Defining traits of anorexia nerviosa are refraining from eating, wanting to lose weight, and restricting calories and certain food groups. The most common symptoms of anorexia are dramatic weight loss, hair loss, abdominal pain, and loss or irregular menstrual cycle. Some signs someone might have anorexia are excessively counting calories, restriction of certain food/food groups, having a strict exercise schedule, and being uncomfortable eating around others. Treatment is usually a multi-face approach including therapy to address potential underlying emotions, nutritional counseling to establish healthy eating habits, and medical monitoring.

Binge eating disorder, or BED, is defined as eating excessive amounts of food until feeling uncomfortably full,  often accompanied by feelings of shame linked to emotional eating. Symptoms of BED include a feeling of a lack of control when it comes to eating, food rituals, stomach pains, and trouble concentrating. Signs of binge eating disorder are evidence of eating large amounts of food in a short time and stealing/hoarding food.  Additionally, BED is also related to bulimia as it sometimes evolves into it. Seeking professional treatment, such as therapy and nutritional counseling, can help manage and overcome binge eating disorder.

Bulimia nerviosa is a cycle of binge eating followed by purging food through laxatives, vomiting, and excessive exercise. Symptoms of bulimia include calluses on the fingers, tooth decay or discoloration, mouth and throat pain, stomach cramps, dizziness, and sleep disturbances. Indications that someone might have bulimia are signs of binging such as hidden food or wrappers, evidence of purging, excessive time spent in bathrooms, or signs of medication used to purge. Bulimia can coexist with other eating disorders such as anorexia and binge eating disorder. Accessing specialized care, involving therapy, nutritional counseling, and medical support, is essential for addressing and managing bulimia nervosa effectively.

Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder or ARFID is a diagnosis for children who are labeled as extremely picky eaters. The extreme selectiveness can be due to sensory issues, lack of appetite, anxiety with certain foods, or fear of an adverse reaction. Children diagnosed with ARFID may experience severe nutritional deficiencies causing weight loss. Due to their restrictive eating, careful monitoring and intervention by healthcare professionals may be required. Treatment typically includes exposure therapy, nutritional counseling, and cognitive-behavioral techniques to help broaden the  child's range of food and reduce anxiety about eating

Rumination disorder is a condition where people repeatedly and unintentionally regurgitate and either vomit or re-swallow their food, typically occurring within 30 minutes of each meal. Although the precise cause remains uncertain, it is suspected to be caused by an increase in abdominal pressure, leading to pain or nausea when eating.  Treatment for rumination disorder involves a combination of behavioral therapy, dietary adjustments, and medication to alleviate the symptoms. Support from healthcare professionals also plays a crucial role in managing this disorder and improving quality of life.

Pica involves eating non-food substances such as grass, clay, dirt, ash, or hair. Individuals with pica may develop health complications from the ingestion of these substances,  often experiencing mineral deficiencies of calcium, iron, or zinc. Interestingly, pica has appeared on television shows such as "My Strange Addiction," shedding light on this uncommon eating disorder and its impact on individuals' lives. When treating pica, involves multiple approaches including behavioral therapy, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and implementing strategies to prevent the ingestion of non-food substances. Professional health care is crucial when helping individuals manage and overcome pica.

Other Specific Feeding Or Eating Disorder or OSFED is a feeding or eating disorder that causes significant distress or impairment but doesn't meet the criteria for other recognized eating disorders. Examples included: atypical anorexia nerviosa (where weight is not low), bulimia nerviosa (with less frequent episodes), binge eating disorder (occurring less frequently), purging disorder (engaging in purging behavior without binge eating) and night eating syndrome (consuming excessive amounts of food during the night) Eating disorders manifest in many different forms, and OSFED is equally as severe as other recognized eating disorders.