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There are 2 main types of eating disorders: Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa.

Anorexia involves:
 

• actively working to lose weight to the point that the individual weighs under 85 percent of what is expected for his or her normal range
• intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, despite being underweight
• self view of body weight or shape is not realistic, views self as fat even when not
• denies seriousness of health risks associated with the low weight

• eating large amounts of food in short period of time (binging)
• feeling out of control or unable to control overeating
• forcing self to vomit to prevent weight gain
• using laxatives, diuretics, enemas, and other medications excessively to cause weight loss
• not eating or excessive exercising
• self image heavily based on body image

Early assessment and treatment helps to prevent serious medical health problems & related mental health problems.

Eating disorders often occur with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and borderline personality disorder.

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Eating Disorders: An Overview

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Author: Ai Ton, MSW, LCSW