Eating disorders affect a vast array of people throughout the United States, from children to adults. Oftentimes, people characterize eating disorders as only restricting food intake. However, there are various common eating disorders that affect men, women, and children throughout the world in many different ways.
Let’s discuss further what an eating disorder is and the common types of eating disorders, so you can get a better understanding of how these eating disorders may affect you or your loved ones.
What is an Eating Disorder?
An eating disorder is a serious physical and mental health condition that’s characterized by intense disordered eating. Eating disorders go beyond disordered eating habits, however, in that they affect the way a person views their own body shape and weight. This common symptom of eating disorders is called body dysmorphia. Although different eating disorders affect people in various ways, serious eating disorders, when left untreated, can often result in life-long turmoil and the possibility of death.
People with eating disorders will experience symptoms unique to their particular disorder and mental health concerns. Common eating disorders include the following:
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia is one of the most common and well-known eating disorders. Characterized by extremely low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, and severe body dysmorphia, anorexia nervosa can often be a life-threatening eating disorder. People with anorexia nervosa may find that they restrict their food and caloric intake to help shape their bodies in the way they desire. Anorexia nervosa may also be accompanied by excessive exercising and orthorexia, or the compulsion to eat only “clean and healthy” foods. It’s also important to note that anorexia is often associated with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is another well-known eating disorder that is characterized by episodes of eating large quantities of food (or bingeing), followed by episodes of purging. Purging may include over-exercising, vomiting, or using diuretics. People who struggle with bulimia may also find themselves in periods of restricting caloric and food intake to manipulate their bodies to look the way they desire. Bulimia nervosa is often accompanied by a series of other mental health and physical health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and health concerns caused by over-exercising and vomiting throughout the day or week. Those with bulimia nervosa also commonly struggle with body dysmorphia and body image issues.
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder (BED), although less well-known by the public, is another common eating disorder among those living in the United States. Those who suffer from BED find themselves in episodes of extreme eating or eating large amounts of different types of food in short periods of time. This often results in patients gaining extreme amounts of body weight, which can cause a host of physical health concerns if left untreated. Like with restrictive food disorders, those who struggle with BED may find they struggle with their body image and the way others perceive them.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
ARFID is the least well-known of the common eating disorders discussed and arguably the most different. Those who suffer from ARFID often do not struggle with their body image and body dysmorphia. Instead, they avoid food based on its color, texture, taste, or smell. People with ARFID are often frustrated by their limited diet as it often results in restrictive eating habits. Although it can affect anyone at any age, ARFID is most commonly seen in young children.
Get Help for Your Eating Disorder
Are you looking to receive help for your eating disorder? Consider seeing the counseling experts at Atlanta Specialized Care. Our team of therapeutic professionals works with patients on a deep, personal level to break through the bounds of their eating disorders, helping them go back to living their lives freely once again. In addition, to help with eating disorders, the specialists at Atlanta Specialized Care are also happy to provide solutions for mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression.
To learn more about how the therapists at Atlanta Specialized Care can help you with your eating disorder, we encourage you to give us a call today at (770) 815-6853. One of our dedicated team members will be happy to speak with you. To schedule an appointment with us, please use our convenient online appointment request form.
