Eating Disorders
A category of conditions involving persistent disturbances in eating behavior and related thoughts and emotions that impair health or functioning.
Overview
Eating disorders are a group of conditions, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, that involve persistent disturbances in eating behavior along with distressing thoughts and emotions about food, weight, or body shape.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs can vary by specific disorder but may include restrictive eating, binge eating, compensatory behaviors, preoccupation with weight or shape, and significant changes in weight or eating patterns. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause is not fully understood. Genetic, psychological, and sociocultural factors are all associated with eating disorders, and they can affect people of any gender, age, or body size.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.
Psychotherapy
Specialized psychotherapy approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy and family-based treatment for adolescents, have evidence supporting their use.
Medication
Medication may be considered for certain eating disorders or co-occurring conditions, generally as part of a broader treatment plan. Medication decisions should be made with a qualified prescribing healthcare professional. Do not start, stop, or change a prescribed medication based solely on information on this page.
Living With Eating Disorders
Ongoing medical monitoring, structured eating support, and a specialized treatment team are often important, especially early in recovery.
When to Seek Professional Help
Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships. Eating disorders can have serious medical complications, so early evaluation is encouraged.
Emergency Situations
If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.
Outlook
Recovery is possible; outcomes are generally better with earlier identification and specialized, sustained treatment.
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
- National Institute of Mental Health.
- World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.