Major Psychological Disorder> Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious problems in eating behaviour. They show disturbances in the way a person eats, thinks about food, and feels about their body.  Usually found in adults, but may start in childhood or adolescence. Studies show that symptoms sometimes begin as early as age 8.

DSM-IV classifies eating disorders into four types:

• Anorexia nervosa: A Person fears gaining weight, has a confused body image, and eats very little—even if too thin.​
• Bulimia nervosa: A Person eats a lot at once (binge) and then tries to get rid of food (purging), feels shame and relief.​
• Pica: Person eats things that are not food—like chalk or clay.​
• Rumination disorder of infancy: A Person brings food up from the stomach and chews it again.

In schools and among teens, the most common are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. These usually start in adolescence and early adulthood.

• A person has a distorted body image (sees self as overweight even if thin).
• Often refuses to eat, may exercise a lot, and avoids eating in front of others.
• May lose a lot of weight and, in severe cases, can starve to death.

• A person eats excessive amounts of food (binge eating).
• Then, they try to purge food using vomiting, laxatives, or medicines.
• Feels shame and disgust after binge eating, but feels relieved after purging.

• Involves frequent episodes of eating out of control.
• The person eats faster than normal and continues to eat until feeling too full.
• Large amounts of food are eaten even when not hungry.

• Eating disorders are serious problems related to eating habits and body image, often starting in adolescence.
• Anorexia nervosa involves fear of weight gain, very little eating, and severe weight loss.
• Bulimia nervosa involves binge eating followed by purging like vomiting or using laxatives.
• Binge eating disorder involves repeated uncontrolled eating without purging.
• Other types include pica (eating non-food items) and rumination disorder (re-chewing food).