Eating problem! Is that a mental disease?
Eating disorders are mental health problems that involve disordered eating behavior – this can include eating too little or too much or becoming fixated with one’s weight or shape. Eating disorders are not simply about food; the behaviors that accompany them may often serve as a coping mechanism or a way to feel in control. There are several types of eating disorders:
- Anorexia nervosa – where someone tries to keep their body weight as low as possible (by for example, not eating enough and / or exercising excessively) and has a distorted view of their body, thinking they are larger than they are.
- Bulimia nervosa – where someone is caught in an unhealthy eating cycle of binge eating then purging to compensate for their overeating, for instance by vomiting or taking laxatives.
- Binge eating – where someone eats excessively in a short period of time in an out-of-control way and feels compelled to do so on a regular basis.
Symptoms of eating disorders will vary between individuals and type of eating disorder. Not matching the symptoms exactly does not mean that someone does not have an eating disorder, however, some common symptoms include:
- Eating very little food or eating large amounts of food in a short time in an uncontrolled way
- Having very strict habits, rituals, or routines around food
- Spending a lot of time worrying about your body weight and shape
- Changes in mood
- Deliberately making yourself ill after eating
- Avoiding socializing when food may be involved
- Withdrawing from social groups, hobbies you used to enjoy or from family life
- Physical signs such as digestive problems or weight being very high or very low for someone of your age and height
Eating disorders are complex mental health problems that can be caused by a combination of factors. These factors include biological factors (for example, genetics or neurochemical changes) and psychological or social factors (lack of confidence or self-esteem, perfectionism, problems such as bullying, or difficulties with school or work.)
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