They also have thehighest mortality rateof any mental disorder.
These behaviors may include vomiting, fasting, excessive exercise, andlaxative use.
Many people are unaware that anorexia nervosa can also bediagnosed in individuals with larger bodies.
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Although anorexia is the eating disorder that receives the most attention, it is actually the least common.
People diagnosed with OSFED often feel invalidated and unworthy of help, which is not true.
OSFED can also be as severe as other eating disorders and include subclinical eating disorders.
Research shows that many people with subclinical eating disorders will develop full eating disorders.
It is manifested by persistent failure to meet appropriate nutritional and/or energy needs.
Further, the focus is not on food quantity but rather food quality.
Often, people with eating disorders also experience depression and score high on measures ofperfectionism.
A person does not have to be underweight to experience the medical consequences of an eating disorder.
Contrary to popular belief, eating disorders do not only affect teenage girls.
They occur in people of all genders, ages, races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic statuses.
They are, however, more commonly diagnosed in women.
Furthermore, eating disorders may alsopresent differently in men.
Eating disorders have been diagnosed in children as young as age 6 and inolder adultsand seniors.
The different ways eating disorders manifest in these populations can contribute to their unrecognizable nature, even by professionals.
Causes of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are complex illnesses.
While we do not definitively know what causes them, some theories exist.
It is often said that “genes load the gun, but environment pulls the trigger.”
Some environmental factors implicated as precipitants include:
It has also become common toblame eating disorders on the media.
Ultimately, a person must also have a genetic vulnerability for eating disorders to develop.
Self-help is contraindicated for anorexia nervosa.
Essentially, thefamily is a vital part of the treatment team.
Parents commonly providemeal support, which allows the young person to recover in their home environment.
Another important element of FBT isexternalizing the eating disorder.
In these parameters, a multidisciplinary team almost always provides treatment.
It takes courage, but it is possible with the right support system in place.
Supporting a child with an eating disorder is hard work, but there are resources for you.
Since people with eating disorders often do not believe they have a problem.
Family members and significant others play a critical role in getting them help.
Although recovery from an eating disorder can be challenging and sometimes long, it is possible.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
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Murphy R, Straebler S, Cooper Z, Fairburn CG.Cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders.Psychiatr Clin North Am.
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