Chapter 1 - Understanding Eating Disorders

Summary

Eating disorders (EDs) are common and life-threatening psychiatric disorders that cause psychological impairment and substantial dysfunction. EDs are treatable, but many do not receive the care needed due to lack of accessibility and understanding. Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterized by food restriction leading to low body weight or lack of appropriate weight milestones, disturbance in body image, and poor insight regarding the seriousness of their low body weight. Bulimia nervosa (BN) is characterized by binge-eating followed by compensatory behavior to prevent weight gain. Binge-eating disorder (BED) is characterized by binge eating behavior but with an absence of compensatory behaviors. Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is characterized by eating or feeding disturbance leading to consequences including significant weight loss, poor growth, nutritional deficiency, psychosocial dysfunction, or the need for supplemental nutrition. Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED) is a given when someone is experiencing eating disturbances that cause clinical distress or life impairment but the behaviors do not meet full DSM-5 criteria for an eating disorder.