Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders are irregular eating patterns which adversely affect the physical and mental health of a person. There are two patterns involve, either avoiding eating or overeating. Most people with Eating Disorders are females but men are also vulnerable to the same. They can affect people of all ages although, in most cases, the problem sets in during teenage years. Serious compulsive eating problems can adversely affect health in the long run and in rare cases, even lead to death.

Main Types of Eating Disorders

The three most common types of Eating Disorders are Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorders.

Anorexia Nervosa

Also called as Anorexia, this Eating Disorder involves voluntary severe starvation. In most cases, Anorexics begin with a simple diet regimen which becomes severe to the point of hunger suppression. Anorexics have a distorted image of their bodies, considering themselves as fat, which propel them to starvation. They refuse to eat for extreme fear of obesity and weight gain. Serious cases involve skeleton-thin patients, who lost 15% of body weight or more than normal. This condition is accompanied by other illnesses caused by malnutrition due to starvation.

Bulimia Nervosa

More commonly know as Bulimia involves Binge Eating followed by improper behavior to compensate for the food consumption. Among these acts made after bingeing are purging by triggering the gag reflex or use of laxatives and diuretics, fasting or extreme exercising. Most Bulimics have normal body weight but still experience adverse health problems due to the use of the improper compensatory behaviors after Bingeing.

Binge Eating Disorder

This eating pattern occurs when the individual consumes large quantities of food in a period of time and experiences loss of control in eating. Compulsive overeating by binge eaters can be triggered by moods such as anger, sadness, depression or happiness or even for no reason at all. This disorder can lead to obesity and obesity-related health risks.

Causes of Eating Disorders

Just like other mental illnesses, there is no single specific cause for a mental disorder. Eating Disorders can be inherited genetically since children who have a parent with an Eating Disorder can acquire the same too. It can also be caused by emotional and psychological factors like perfectionism, low self-esteem, troubled relationships and impulsive behavior. Other factors can also include social and cultural issues such as the perception of thinness as an ideal standard of beauty. The desire to diet and become thin can also be caused by pressure brought about by peers, family, the entertainment business and the media.

When to Seek Treatment for Eating Disorders

Medical advice is already necessary when the person experiences physical and psychological symptoms of Eating Disorders. Physical signs include dizziness, digestion problems, weakness and bowel troubles. Psychological symptoms may also include low self-esteem, depression and being anti-social.

Treatment for Binge Eating Disorder, Anorexia and Bulimia recovery involves a combination of methods. The main goal in treating these conditions is maintaining a regular diet and regaining a normal weight. Nutritional supplementation may also be required such as multivitamins and minerals. Strategies may also include medications to help the patient cope up with the effects of the symptoms and also cognitive-behavioral therapy to improve the patient's outlook about eating and weight matters. In severe cases, patients may be compelled to undergo hospitalization for constant supervision.

The problem with most people with Eating Disorders, however, is that they do not accept the presence of the condition and resist treatment. Hence, it is necessary to also involve the family in the treatment.