Eating Disorders: Types, Symptoms, Risk Factors & Treatment

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions. Many confuse this with overeating. However, eating a lot does not always mean it is a disorder. Those who have reported this condition also experience a wide array of symptoms. This article will explain eating disorders' types, symptoms, causes, risk factors and other aspects.

Continue reading to learn more.

According to the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition), an eating disorder is a continuous disturbance of eating or eating-related behaviour. This eventually results in compromising an individual’s physical health and psychosocial functioning.

Eating disorders can pose a severe threat to health conditions; if untreated, it may also result in death. There is no specific age or gender that suffers from this condition; it can happen to anyone.

There are ten major types of eating disorders. Although these revolve around impulsive eating and weight fluctuations, each has unique symptoms.

1. Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia develops during adolescence or early adulthood and is seen mainly among women. Those who suffer from this condition eat a huge quantity of food in a very short period.

While binge eating, they can neither stop nor control their unusual consumption and keep eating until it hurts. People with Bulimia try to purge to compensate for their calorie intake by forced vomiting, fasting, excessive exercising, and using laxatives or diuretics.

Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa

• Recurring binge eating episodes
• Purging behaviour
• Always having insecurity about body shape and weight
• Afraid of gaining weight

2. Anorexia Nervosa

This kind of eating disorder also happens between adolescence and adulthood. Similar to Bulimia, Anorexia occurs more among women than men. People with this ailment feel they are overweight even if they are not.

Anorexia has two subtypes. One is the restricting calorie intake type, and the other is the compulsive eating and purging type. This is a dangerous type of disorder which can damage one's body over time. It has been seen people with this disorder experience thinning of their bones, brittle hair and nails, and infertility.

Symptoms of Anorexia

• Restricted eating habits
• Despite being underweight, fear of becoming overweight
  
• Unwillingness to maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Influence of body weight on self-esteem

3. Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder, or BED, is one of the most prevalent forms of an eating disorder. In this psychological condition, people keep eating fast until they feel comfortable. Distress is a major trigger for this condition.

If someone binge eats once a week for three months, they have this disorder. This condition can occur in childhood or inherit this condition. Although many overlook this condition, it can have serious health risks if not treated promptly.

Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder

• Eating secretly
• Consuming large portions of food despite not feeling hungry
• Feel guilty and shame for their eating habit
• Lack of control while eating

4. Pica

Pica is a type of eating disorder where patients eat things which are either inedible or have no nutritional value. This condition can develop in anyone, irrespective of age. 

Individuals with Pica often face intellectual disabilities, autism, and psychological issues like schizophrenia. Depending on what they have eaten, this can eventually lead to fatal reactions.

Symptoms of Pica

• Consuming dirt, chalk, paper, hair, detergent powder, ice, cloth, pebbles, corn starch etc

5. Rumination Disorder

In this particular type of eating disorder, people regurgitate previously chewed food, re-chew it and then either swallow it or spit it out. People practices rumination within 30 minutes of their meal.

If this disorder develops in an infant, it will occur before they turn one and disappear on their own. However, if this is not taken care of, it can lead to severe malnutrition and weight loss. In the case of adults, they restrict eating outside due to shame and would require therapy to treat.

Symptoms of Rumination

• Bring food back to the mouth without nausea
• Pain in the abdomen
• Bad breath
• Unintentional weight loss

6. Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

The main characteristic of this disorder is having no interest in eating thus, failing to meet the minimum daily nutrition requirements. In addition, individuals with this condition avoid food because of its texture, colour, smell, or taste.

Sometimes people fear the consequences of eating, like choking or weight gain. Hence, refrain from eating. As these people do not fulfil adequate nutrition, they tend to develop health issues.

Symptoms of ARFID

• Avoiding food
• Do not feel comfortable eating with others
• Poor development in height and weight
• Dependence on supplements and, in severe cases, feeding by tube

7. Otherwise Specified Feeding Or Eating Disorder (OSFED)

This category includes other types of eating disorders with similar symptoms but does not fit into any of these categories.

Symptoms of OSFED

• Consuming food frequently and then using methods like self-induced vomiting to prevent weight gain
• Episodes of binge eating
• Practice dieting
• Feel the need to burn calories

8. Orthorexia

One of the conditions that fall under OSFED, is Orthorexia. Although this disorder is gaining popularity, the Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) has not yet approved it as a separate disorder.

Symptoms of Orthorexia

• Avoid eating several food products
• Unable to eat anything but foods that are "pure" or "healthy."
• Spending a lot of time thinking about what food they will get in any upcoming events

9. Night Eating Syndrome (NES)

People with this syndrome eat severely at night, and this urge often happens after waking up from sleep.

Symptoms of NES

• Lack of appetite during the day
• Insomnia is common
• Believing eating is necessary to get better sleep
• Depression or mood changes during the evening

10. Diabulimia

This is an eating disorder that is common among diabetic patients. In Diabulimia, individuals knowingly restrict insulin consumption to lose weight.

Symptoms of Diabulimia

• Secrecy about diabetes
• Fear of lower sugar levels
• Avoiding appointments for diabetes check-ups
• Discomfort in testing in front of others

The general symptoms of eating disorders can be further broken down into two spectrums, mental, behavioural, and physical.

1. Mental and Behavioural Symptoms

• Concern about eating with others
• Always thinking about food, weight, fat, calorie intake, dieting, etc.
• Suffers from constipation
• Intolerance towards cold
• Abdominal pain
• Feeling lazy
• Finds excuses to avoid mealtime
• Fear of gaining weight
• Skipping meals or reducing portion sizes
• Frequent dieting
• Trying new food practices like no carb, no dairy, veganism etc.
• Adapting newer eating rituals like excessive chewing
• Extreme mood changes

Physical Symptoms

• Drastic weight fluctuations
• Stomach cramps, gastrointestinal issues
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Menstrual irregularities
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Getting chills
• Disturbances in sleeping
• Cuts and calluses across the top of finger joints
• Dry skin and hair
• Yellowish skin
• Cavities or discolouration of teeth
• Takes time to heal wounds
• Compromised immunity

According to experts, many causes can lead to eating disorders. Here is a list of a few of them:

• Genetics: If anyone in your family has or previously had any eating disorder, you are prone to develop one at some point.
• Personality: A study done in 2015 states that personality traits like neuroticism, perfectionism, and impulsivity can lead to eating disorders.
• Preference to be Thinner: Due to peer pressure or cultural preference, some people want to maintain a lean and thin look. Unfortunately, in order to do so, they develop certain eating disorders.
• Hormonal Changes: Some experts opine to the fact that changes in serotonin and dopamine levels are also one of the factors that cause eating disorders.
  

This has been proven that teenage girls or young women are more likely to develop eating disorders than men. However, it does not mean men cannot have such conditions at all. 

The risk factors of eating disorders are listed below:

• Those with a history of eating disorders in their family
• Individuals suffering from other chronic psychological problems like depression or OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder)
• Dieting and starvation are two other risk factors, as it influences mood changes
• Stressing over anything can be a risk factor for developing these disorders

Although eating disorders are psychological, they can have severe complications, some of which can even become life-threatening. Nevertheless, the disorder's severity influences the complications one experiences.

• Depression
• Having suicidal thoughts
• Severe health issues
• Disruption in physical and mental growth and development
• Difficulty in maintaining social relations
• Substance use
• Death

Doctors look for specific habits and symptoms to diagnose if anyone has any kind of eating disorder. If they find the patients do have certain signs indicating such disorders, they will run a few tests to get an accurate diagnosis.

• Physical assessments
• Blood tests
• Psychological evaluation
• Other tests depending on the patient's condition

Treating an eating disorder is tricky because it requires assistance from a primary healthcare provider, dietician, and psychologist. However, in most cases, medication, therapy, and proper diet can help an individual to overcome this condition.

• Family-Based Therapy: Therapists suggest FBT to children and teenagers suffering from various eating disorders. In this therapy, families are involved to ensure the child follows healthy-eating patterns.
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: Often this therapy is prescribed to those going through bulimia and binge-eating disorder. It can help people learn ways to monitor and improve their eating habits. In addition, you develop problem-solving skills and explore ways to cope with this condition.
• Medications: No medicine cures eating disorders. Nevertheless, some medications can curb recurring symptoms of these conditions. For example, antidepressants or mood stabilisers are given to patients to treat psychological symptoms associated with eating disorders.
• Nutritional Guidance: Treatment for eating disorders also includes guidance from a professional dietician. They will provide a diet chart to help you incorporate all the nutrients into your diet. Studies have proven with CBT and proper nutritional help, and one can get significant results.

Along with these traditional treatment methods, one can also include these home remedies to increase their chances of overcoming the condition.

Suppose you observe a sudden drop or gain in weight and cannot figure out why you should see a doctor. In addition, having no appetite is also an indication to look for immediate medical aid.

Besides, if you notice any other irregularities in your eating pattern or cravings, you must get an emergency check-up.

Research shows eating disorders develop as a response to image and body dissatisfaction. Thus, it can be prevented by participating in some effective prevention programs. These programs may include certain approaches:

• The health promotion approach incorporates building self-esteem, promoting body positivity, and teaching ways to balance a diet and practise physical activities
• Interactive approach to engaging young people
• Encourage developing a social and relational practice
• Discussions about the dangers of substance abuse, healthy eating, etc
• Learn more about eating disorders
• Neglect the notion of "being this is ideal."
• Choose a healthy lifestyle
• Divert your mind from topics like weight and body shapes
• Ditch your weighing scale
• Promote natural weight gain
• Become self-aware of the risk factors of eating disorders
• Empower others to feel good about their weight
• Encourage kids to develop a positive relationship with food

        To conclude, there are at least ten different types of eating disorders each of them has some unique and common symptoms. However, all of them require accurate treatment, and if these symptoms are overlooked, it can result in severe health conditions