In this article, we will Explain the Symptoms and Diagnostic Criteria of Types of Eating Disorders. Discuss the incidence of Eating Disorders in India. or Discuss the Types and Causes of Eating Disorders.
Symptoms and Diagnostic Criteria of Types of Eating Disorders.
Eating Disorders are complex mental health conditions that involve disturbances in eating behaviours, body image, and weight management. There are several types of eating disorders, each with its own specific symptoms and diagnostic criteria. Here are the symptoms and diagnostic criteria for three common types of eating disorders:
Anorexia Nervosa:
Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading to severe restriction of food intake. The diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa include:
- Restriction of energy intake leads to significantly low body weight relative to the individual’s age, sex, developmental trajectory, and physical health.
- Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, despite being underweight.
- Disturbance in the way one’s body weight or shape is experienced leads to a distorted perception of one’s body.
Additional symptoms may include excessive exercise, preoccupation with food, rituals around eating, denial of hunger, and withdrawal from social activities. Individuals with anorexia nervosa may experience serious medical complications due to malnutrition.
Bulimia Nervosa:
Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives. The diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa include:
- Recurrent episodes of binge eating, are characterized by eating a large amount of food in a discrete period while experiencing a loss of control.
- Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviours to prevent weight gain.
- Self-evaluation is unduly influenced by body shape and weight.
Additional symptoms may include a preoccupation with body image, secretive eating behaviours, feeling out of control during binge episodes, and shame or guilt after bingeing and purging episodes. Individuals with bulimia nervosa may also experience fluctuations in weight and may have physical complications related to purging behaviours.
Binge Eating Disorder:
Binge Eating disorder involves recurrent episodes of binge eating without the compensatory behaviours seen in bulimia nervosa. The diagnostic criteria for binge eating disorder include:
- Recurrent episodes of binge eating, are characterized by eating a large amount of food in a discrete period while experiencing a loss of control.
- Binge Eating episodes are associated with a sense of distress or guilt.
- Binge Eating occurs at least once a week for three months or more.
Additional symptoms may include eating rapidly, eating until feeling uncomfortably full, eating alone due to embarrassment, and feelings of shame or self-disgust after binge eating episodes. Individuals with binge eating disorders may experience distress related to their eating behaviours and may be at risk for obesity and associated health problems.
It’s important to note that the diagnosis of an eating disorder requires a comprehensive assessment by a qualified healthcare professional. These disorders can have serious physical and psychological consequences, and early intervention and appropriate treatment are crucial for recovery.
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