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People with various types of eating disorders use disordered eating behaviors as a coping mechanism for challenging circumstances or emotions. Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that affect people of all ages, genders, nationalities, and socioeconomic statuses.
A multitude of psychological conditions called eating disorders can lead to the development of unhealthy eating patterns. They may begin with a fixation with food, their weight, or their physical appearance. Eating disorders, if left untreated, can be fatal to your health in extreme cases. An estimated 28 million people in the United States alone either currently have or have had an eating issue at some point in their lives.
Different Types of Eating Disorders
Extreme food and weight concerns are common in the category of eating disorders, but each disorder has its own set of symptoms and diagnostic standards. Here are six different types of eating disorders:
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1) Anorexia nervosa
When most people think of types of eating disorders, they typically think of anorexia nervosa, also known simply as anorexia. Despite being extremely underweight, anorexics frequently perceive themselves as overweight. They frequently track their weight, stay away from particular meals, and drastically limit their calorie consumption.
It typically appears throughout adolescence or the early stages of adulthood and affects more women than males.
2) Binge Eating Disorder
A dangerous mental condition called Binge Eating Disorder (BED) causes individuals to eat a lot of food without feeling in control of their actions. Regardless of age, gender, nationality, or background, it can affect anyone, and evidence suggests that it is more prevalent than other eating disorders.
Eating much quicker than usual, eating until one feels uncomfortable, eating a lot of food when one is not physically hungry, eating by oneself out of embarrassment over the amount consumed, and experiencing disgust, shame, or guilt before, during, or after the binge are all signs of a binge eating episode.
3) Bulimia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is another well-known form of eating disorder. Similar to anorexia, bulimia appears to be less prevalent in males than in women and typically develops during adolescence and the early stages of life. This kind of eating problem often involves consuming a lot of food quickly followed by purging.
Individuals with Bulimia frequently purge to compensate for calories consumed or as a means of easing discomfort. The possibility of a quick and lasting recovery from bulimia is greatest when treatment is sought as soon as feasible.
4) Rumination disorder
Rumination disorder is a recently recognized eating disorder diagnosis. After chewing and swallowing food, those who suffer from rumination problems frequently purge it, either to reswallow it or to spit it out. This voluntary action usually takes place within the first 30 minutes after a meal.
Rumination disorder patients frequently don't feel like they have control over their condition. Its precise causes are unknown. It is unknown how many people suffer from rumination disorder. If ignored, rumination problems can result in electrolyte imbalances, tooth erosion, malnutrition, and weight loss.
5) Avoidant Food Intake Disorder
People with disrupted eating experiences, such as a lack of interest in eating owing to scents, textures, temperatures, etc., are affected by Avoidant Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). ARFID is a condition in which a person restricts how much food they eat overall, avoids particular foods or food groups, or does both.
It is crucial to understand that each individual's avoidance or restriction of food and eating at any one time may be caused by one or more of these factors.
6) Pica
Pica is uncommon amongst many types of eating disorders. Individuals with this may consume items that are not recognized as food and do not have any nutritional value. Non-food items including ice, mud, soil, chalk, soap, paper, hair, fabric, wool, pebbles, laundry detergent, or cornflour are craved by people with pica.
Pica is typically not diagnosed in children under the age of two because it is common for babies to mouth objects, which can result in them accidentally ingesting substances that aren't meant to be eaten.
For the diagnosis of pica, the actions must be present for more than a month, not part of a cultural practice, and developmentally inappropriate. Pica frequently goes undetected until serious medical problems, such as metal toxicity, fractured teeth, or infections, arise.
Types of Eating Disorders and Treatment Options
Treatment is based on your general health, eating disorders, and their underlying causes. If your disorder has become life-threatening, your doctor may perform a nutritional assessment, make a mental health professional referral, or admit you to the hospital.
In some instances, psychotherapy can assist in addressing the social or emotional problems that might be underlying your disease, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or family counseling. You can address your eating disorder by reducing stress with yoga, meditation, or other breathing exercises. Various types of eating disorders cannot be totally treated with medicines. However, some drugs can help manage signs of anxiety or depression.
Eating disorders are not just about food, despite the name's use of the word "eating." These different types of eating disorders are intricate mental health concerns that frequently require the help of qualified medical and psychological professionals to change their trajectory. If left unchecked, these types of eating disorders can cause serious harm to the body.
It's crucial to speak with a therapist or doctor right away if you or someone close to you is exhibiting any of the types of eating disorder symptoms outlined.
Janvi Kapur is a counselor with a Master's degree in applied psychology with a specialization in clinical psychology.
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