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Urgently Needed Innovation in Treatment of Eating Disorders – Part I
The prevalence of eating disorders continues to increase [1]. These disorders can be deadly and negatively impact medical and mental health [1]. Unfortunately, the majority of individuals with disordered eating do not seek treatment [1].
Despite the increased amount of people struggling with eating disorders, research and treatment approaches have not progressed [1]. This is one barrier to implementing proper prevention measures and effective treatment approaches. Another barrier may be that eating disorders are widely misunderstood.
Identifying Eating Disorders
Knowing what to look for can help people get treatment for themselves or their loved ones. Research shows that it is better to get treatment as soon as possible in order to prevent developing deeply rooted disordered behaviors and medical complications [1].
While anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder are the three most widely known eating disorders, there are six eating disorder diagnoses that treatment professionals assess for. These are:
- Anorexia Nervosa: Anorexia is an eating disorder that is motivated by wanting to lose weight. People with anorexia have a fear of gaining weight or being fat. These individuals tend to also have a negative body image [2].
- Bulimia Nervosa: Bulimia is a cycle of binge eating and then engaging in behaviors to compensate for the effects of binging. Examples of compensatory behaviors include self-induced vomiting, laxative abuse, fasting, or abusive exercise [2].
- Binge Eating Disorder (BED): BED is characterized by eating large quantities of food and then feeling shameful, guilty, or distressed about it [2].
- Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): Individuals with ARFID limit the amount or type of food they eat, leading to malnutrition. The restriction is not motivated by wanting to lose weight or fear of getting fat [2]. Individuals with ARFID may be underweight.
- Pica: Pica is the diagnosis given when someone eats non-food items. Some examples of non-nutritive, non-food items are string, hair, or soap. People diagnosed with Pica do not tend to have an aversion to food. This behavior can not be explained by cultural norms [2].
- Rumination Disorder: Persistent regurgitation or food that is not the result of medical issues [2].
The most revealing sign of an eating disorder is that someone’s relationship to food, body image, or exercise results in impairment. Impairment includes medical problems, mental health issues, or difficulty functioning at work, school, or in relationships. The six disorders described above all impact someone’s physical and mental health [1].
It can be helpful to understand the different types of eating disorders because it can help individuals and loved ones recognize when there is a problem. Hopefully, with increased awareness of the prevalence and severity of eating disorders, there will be more research about and treatment for eating disorders. Millions of people’s lives depend on it.
Resources:
[1] Treasure, J., Antunes Duarte, T., & Schmidt, U. (2020) Eating disorders, 395, 899-911. [2] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.About the Author:
Samantha Bothwell, LMFT, is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, writer, explorer, and lipstick aficionado. She became a therapist after doing her own healing work so she could become whole after spending many years living with her mind and body disconnected. She has focused her clinical work to support the healing process of survivors of sexual violence and eating disorders. She is passionate about guiding people in their return to their truest Self so they can live their most authentic, peaceful life.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective on eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer a discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Published November 23, 2020, on EatingDisorderHope.com
Reviewed & Approved on November 23, 2020, by Jacquelyn Ekern MS, LPC
The EatingDisorderHope.com editorial team comprises experienced writers, editors, and medical reviewers specializing in eating disorders, treatment, and mental and behavioral health.
