Eating Disorders Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
An eating disorder is an abnormal behavior towards food that causes a person to change his eating habits and behavior. Eating disorders can also be described as diseases characterized by disordered eating habits and excessive anxiety about body weight or shape.
This behavior can be a serious condition that has a negative impact. This can include undereating or overeating which results in health problems – both physically and psychologically.
Psychic disorders that arise are related to one’s emotions and abilities in various important aspects of life. While physical disorders can involve the healthy functioning of the digestive system, bones, teeth and mouth.
Eating Disorders Symptom
There are several types of eating disorders with different symptoms. However, what is commonly known is:
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Anorexia nervosa
Condition in which a person tries to keep their weight as low as possible. Often by starving himself (refusing to eat) or exercising excessively.
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Binge eating disorder
A condition in which a person feels the need to eat large amounts in a short period of time.
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bulimia
Conditions in which a person binge eats and then vomits food or uses laxatives in an effort to maintain weight.
Eating Disorders Reason
The exact cause of eating disorders is not known. However, several factors can influence the emergence of this condition, such as:
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biological
- hormone disorders
- genetics
- nutritional deficiency
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psychology
- negative body profile
- lack of confidence
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environment
- family dynamic disturbances
- jobs that promote lean body and weight loss (eg model, ballerina)
- aesthetically oriented sports, where maintaining a lean body is important for performance (e.g. long-distance runners, gymnasts)
- family and childhood trauma (eg childhood sexual abuse)
- pressure from the closest people and culture
- transitions or life changes that cause stress
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of eating disorders can be made with the help of a medical interview by a doctor, who asks:
- Do you feel sick or vomit from being so full that you feel uncomfortable?
- Are you worried about losing control of how much food you eat?
- Have you lost 6 kg in 3 months?
- Do you feel fat even though others say you are thin?
- Does food dominate your life?
If you answered yes to two or more of the questions above, you could have an eating disorder.
Eating Disorders Treatment
There are several methods that can be used to treat eating disorders, including:
- read books or manuals for self-help
- Ask for professional help, such as a psychiatrist
- cognitive behavioral therapy
- interpersonal psychotherapy
- diet counseling
- family therapy
- drugs, for example by taking anti-depressants