Eating Disorder
Definition
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits that negatively affect a person's physical and emotional well-being.
Scientific / Technical Definition
Eating disorders include several psychiatric conditions that affect individuals' eating behaviors, thoughts about food, and emotions around eating and weight. These disorders can lead to severe health complications and include conditions such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.
Benefits
- Awareness and early diagnosis of eating disorders can lead to effective treatment and recovery.
- Understanding eating disorders can reduce stigma and facilitate support for affected individuals.
Examples
- Anorexia nervosa, characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss.
- Bulimia nervosa, involving cycles of binge eating followed by purging.
- Binge eating disorder, where individuals frequently consume large quantities of food.
Additional Information
- Known issues: Eating disorders can lead to severe health consequences, including heart problems, digestive issues, and nutritional deficiencies.
References
Last updated: 10/26/2024