Eating Disorders: Anorexia and Bulimia

Characterized by a severe restriction of food intake, leading to significantly low body weight
Fear of gaining weight and distorted body image
May exhibit extreme exercise habits, laxative use, and hiding food
Physical symptoms:
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Cold intolerance
- Osteoporosis
Psychological symptoms:
- Perfectionism
- Low self-esteem
- Depression
- Anxiety

Characterized by cycles of bingeing and purging
Eating large amounts of food in a short period, followed by forced vomiting, laxatives, or diuretics
May exhibit secretive eating habits, hiding food, and frequent weighing
Physical symptoms:
- Tooth decay
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Dehydration
Psychological symptoms:
- Shame and guilt
- Low self-esteem
- Depression
- Anxiety

Characterized by recurring episodes of binge eating, without purging
Eating large amounts of food in a short period, often accompanied by feelings of guilt and shame
May exhibit weight gain and obesity
Physical symptoms:
- Weight-related health problems (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure)
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Sleep disturbances
Psychological symptoms:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Low self-esteem
- Emotional dysregulation

Refers to an individual's perceived and subjective experience of their own body
Influenced by sociocultural, environmental, and individual factors
Negative body image can contribute to the development of eating disorders
Characteristics of negative body image:
- Distorted self-perception
- Unrealistic beauty standards
- Focus on weight and appearance
- Self-criticism and shame
Importance of promoting positive body image:
- Fostering self-acceptance and self-esteem
- Encouraging diverse and realistic beauty standards
- Reducing stigma and promoting inclusivity

Restricts food intake, leading to significantly low body weight due to fear of gaining weight and distorted body image
May exhibit extreme exercise habits, laxative use, and hiding food
Physical symptoms include:
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Cold intolerance
- Osteoporosis
Psychological symptoms include:
- Perfectionism
- Low self-esteem
- Depression
- Anxiety

Characterized by cycles of bingeing and purging to cope with emotional distress
Eating large amounts of food in a short period, followed by forced vomiting, laxatives, or diuretics
May exhibit secretive eating habits, hiding food, and frequent weighing
Physical symptoms include:
- Tooth decay
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Dehydration
Psychological symptoms include:
- Shame and guilt
- Low self-esteem
- Depression
- Anxiety

Recurring episodes of binge eating, without purging, accompanied by feelings of guilt and shame
Eating large amounts of food in a short period, often leading to weight gain and obesity
Physical symptoms include:
- Weight-related health problems (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure)
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Sleep disturbances
Psychological symptoms include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Low self-esteem
- Emotional dysregulation

Refers to an individual's perceived and subjective experience of their own body
Influenced by sociocultural, environmental, and individual factors
Negative body image can contribute to the development of eating disorders
Characteristics of negative body image include:
- Distorted self-perception
- Unrealistic beauty standards
- Focus on weight and appearance
- Self-criticism and shame
Promoting positive body image is crucial for:
- Fostering self-acceptance and self-esteem
- Encouraging diverse and realistic beauty standards
- Reducing stigma and promoting inclusivity

Eating disorders are mental health conditions characterized by abnormal eating habits, emotions, and thoughts about food, weight, and body image.
Main types of eating disorders include:
- Anorexia Nervosa (AN): restrictive eating, significant weight loss, and fear of gaining weight.
- Bulimia Nervosa (BN): cycles of bingeing and purging, secretive eating, and feelings of guilt and shame.
- Binge Eating Disorder (BED): recurring episodes of binge eating, lack of control, and emotional distress.
- Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED): disorders that do not meet criteria for AN, BN, or BED, but still cause significant distress.
- Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): lack of interest in eating, leading to inadequate nutrition and weight loss.

Genetic factors: family history of eating disorders, mental health conditions, and personality traits.
Environmental factors: societal beauty standards, media influence, trauma, and cultural pressures.
Psychological factors: low self-esteem, perfectionism, anxiety, and depression.
Biological factors: hormonal imbalances, brain chemistry, and nutritional deficiencies.

Physical symptoms include:
- Weight changes (gain or loss)
- Fatigue, weakness, and poor nutrition
- Hair loss, skin problems, and digestive issues
Emotional symptoms include:
- Guilt, shame, and anxiety related to food and eating
- Emotional eating, secrecy, and isolation
- Mood swings, irritability, and depression
Behavioral symptoms include:
- Restrictive eating, bingeing, and purging
- Excessive exercise, use of laxatives, and diuretics
- Food rituals, avoidance of social eating, and meal skipping

Diagnosis involves criteria-based assessment by a mental health professional, including physical exams, interviews, and observation.
Treatment options include:
- Psychotherapy: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family-based therapy (FBT), and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT)
- Nutrition counseling: personalized meal planning, nutrition education, and meal support
- Medications: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antidepressants, and anti-anxiety drugs
- Hospitalization: in severe cases, for medical stabilization and intensive treatment

Medical complications include:
- Malnutrition, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances
- Osteoporosis, heart problems, and gastrointestinal issues
- Infertility, hormonal imbalances, and menstrual irregularities
Psychological complications include:
- Depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts
- Social isolation, relationship problems, and low self-esteem
- Co-occurring mental health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and substance abuse