What are three common types of disordered eating?
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What is an eating disorder?An eating disorder is a serious mental health condition that involves an unhealthy preoccupation with eating, exercise or body shape. Anyone can develop an eating disorder, regardless of cultural background, gender or age. Eating disorders are estimated to affect approximately 4 in every 100 people in Australia (or about 1 million people in Australia). About 1 in 7 people experience disordered eating in their lifetime. If you have an eating disorder, you may experience any the following:
What are the common types of eating disorder?There are several types of eating disorder, including: Binge eating disorder (BED)BED makes up almost half of all cases of eating disorder in Australia. People suffering from this disorder will frequently consume very large quantities of food, even when they are not hungry (known as 'binging'). They often feel shame and guilt after an eating binge; however, unlike people with bulimia nervosa (see next section), they do not purge their food. It is common for people with binge eating disorder to fast or go on diets in response to the way they feel after a binge. Bulimia nervosaPeople with this disorder have frequent eating binges, often in secret, then get rid of the food through vomiting, laxatives or diet pills (known as 'purging'). People with bulimia often feel out of control. About 1 in 10 people with eating disorders have bulimia nervosa. Anorexia nervosaLess than 1 in 100 people in Australia has anorexia nervosa. People with this condition can be severely underweight, are preoccupied with food and fear putting on weight. They often have a distorted body image and see themselves as fat. People living with anorexia nervosa may create extreme rules and restrictions about their diets and exercise schedules. Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED)A person with OSFED has many of the symptoms of other eating disorders but their condition doesn't align with any specific disorder. People with OSFED commonly have very disruptive eating habits and can have a distorted body image. Around 1 in 3 people who seeks treatment for an eating disorder have OSFED. What are the symptoms of eating disorders?It is not always easy to tell if someone has an eating disorder, since they may try to hide it because of shame or guilt. However, some of the behaviours associated with eating disorders include:
There are also physical signs that a person may have an eating disorder, such as:
Some of the emotional signs of an eating disorder include:
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help. What causes eating disorders?It is unlikely that an eating disorder has one single cause. It's normally due to a combination of many factors, events, feelings or pressures. A person might use food to help them deal with painful situations or feelings without realising it. These factors may include low self-esteem, problems with friends or family relationships, problems at school, university or work, high academic expectations, lack of confidence, concerns about sexuality, or sexual assault or emotional abuse. Traumatic events can trigger an eating disorder, such as the death of someone special (grief), bullying, abuse or divorce. Someone with a long-term illness or disability (such as diabetes, depression, vision impairment or hearing loss) may also have eating problems. Studies have shown that genetics may also be a contributing factor to eating disorders. How are eating disorders diagnosed?Many people who suffer from eating disorders keep their condition a secret or won't admit they have a problem. However, it's important to get help early (see, 'Where to get help'). The first step is to see your GP, who can refer you to the appropriate services. A doctor or mental health professional will make a diagnosis. There is no single test to determine whether someone has an eating disorder, but there is a range of evaluations that lead to a diagnosis, including:
Treatments for eating disordersStarting treatment as early as possible is important because there can be long-term health consequences for people with chronic eating disorders. There is no 'one size fits all' approach to treating eating disorders since everyone is different. Often a team of health professionals is involved in an individual's treatment, including a psychologist, dietitian and doctor. Some of the treatment options include: CounsellingThis involves regular visits to a psychologist, psychiatrist or other mental health counsellor. Counsellors use different methods to help people with eating disorders. A common method is 'cognitive behavioural therapy' (CBT), which helps individuals identify and change the thoughts, feelings and behaviours associated with their eating disorder. Nutrition educationA dietitian can help a person with an eating disorder learn healthy eating habits and return to a normal weight. For a person with anorexia nervosa, this is essential and could include education about nutrition, meal planning, establishing regular eating habits and ways to avoid dieting. Family approachThe 'family approach' is most common when young people are being treated for an eating disorder. The aim is to treat the person with the eating disorder, while also supporting and educating the entire family — which strengthens family relationships. The family learns how to better care for the person with the eating disorder. MedicationThere is no medication to specifically treat eating disorders. However, a person with an eating disorder may be prescribed medicines to treat other symptoms. Antidepressants are sometimes used to help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Medications should be used in conjunction with other treatment approaches. Person-centred, stepped carePerson-centred, 'stepped care' is a treatment that's tailored to suit that person's illness, situation and needs. Stepped care recognises that people with eating disorders may need to move 'up and down' through various levels of care throughout their illness. With the right professional, social and emotional support, a person with an eating disorder can recover. What should I do if I think I have an eating disorder?People with an eating disorder may feel it helps them stay in control of their life. However, as time goes on, the eating disorder can start to control them. If you have an eating disorder, you may also have the urge to harm yourself or misuse alcohol or drugs. Talk to someone you trust — such as a close friend or family member — if you think you have an eating disorder. You can also call the Butterfly Foundation National Helpline (1800 33 4673, 8am to midnight AEST, 7 days a week). You can also call the Butterfly Foundation for advice if you're concerned about a family member or friend. Your doctor can advise you on diagnosis and possible treatment options, which will depend on your individual circumstances and the type of eating disorder you have. Where to get helpIf you or someone you know has the symptoms of an eating disorder, it is important to seek professional help as early as possible. Eating disorders are damaging to the body and can even be fatal but they are treatable. Visiting your doctor is the first step to recovery. If you don't have a GP, you can find one near you using the healthdirect Service Finder. You can speak confidentially to an adviser on the Butterfly Foundation National Helpline (1800 33 4673, 8am to midnight AEST, 7 days a week). You can also call Eating Disorders Victoria for advice, support and information on 1300 550 236 (or email: ). If you are in crisis and need counselling now, you can call:
What are 3 examples of disordered eating behaviors?Disordered eating may include restrictive eating, compulsive eating, or irregular or inflexible eating patterns. Dieting is one of the most common forms of disordered eating. Australian adolescents engaging in dieting are five times more likely to develop an eating disorder than those who do not diet (1).
What are the three eating types?There are three main types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder.
What are the names of the eating disorders?Here are six of the most common eating disorders and their symptoms.. Anorexia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa is likely the most well-known eating disorder. ... . Bulimia nervosa. Bulimia nervosa is another well-known eating disorder. ... . Binge eating disorder. ... . Pica. ... . Rumination disorder. ... . Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.. What are some common examples of disordered eating behaviors and thoughts?Symptoms of Disordered Eating
Frequent dieting, anxiety associated with specific foods or meal skipping. Chronic weight fluctuations. Rigid rituals and routines surrounding food and exercise. Feelings of guilt and shame associated with eating.
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