Identifying the Varieties of Eating Disorders

Number of Eating Disorders: A Breakdown

Eating disorders are mental health conditions that can have a significant impact on an individual's physical and emotional well-being. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5), there are eight recognised feeding and eating disorders, each with specific criteria and symptoms.

Anorexia nervosa is one such disorder, characterised by restrictive eating based on a fear of gaining weight. Symptoms include significant weight loss, hair loss, frequent coldness, dressing in baggy clothes, dry skin and nails, isolating or eating alone, poor body image, preoccupation with food, weight, and dieting, following a strict or excessive exercise schedule, and frequently making negative comments about size, weight, or appearance. Not everyone with symptoms of anorexia is underweight or in the low weight range, and the condition can be diagnosed as atypical anorexia or other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED).

Bulimia nervosa, another type of eating disorder, is characterised by regular binge eating and engaging in compensatory behaviours to "undo" the effects of overeating. The most common form of compensatory behaviour is vomiting. Untreated bulimia can lead to severe health issues and can become life-threatening.

A third disorder, binge eating disorder (BED), is characterised by eating large quantities of food in one sitting and feeling uncontrollable overeating, but unlike bulimia, people with BED do not engage in compensatory behaviours after binge eating.

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is characterised by severely limiting your diet and eating only certain kinds of food. ARFID often stems from a fear of something bad happening when you eat, like poisoning, choking, or vomiting. In severe cases, a feeding tube or supplements may be necessary to deliver essential, life-sustaining nutrients.

Pica is an eating disorder where people eat nonfood substances that carry no nutritional value, such as chalk, soap, paint chips, clay, etc. Pica can carry serious health risks related to eating dangerous substances, including lead poisoning.

Other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED) is typically diagnosed when someone has symptoms of eating disorders but doesn't meet the criteria for any of the eating disorders listed in the DSM-5. Eating disorders that fall under the OSFED classification include atypical anorexia nervosa, purging disorder, night eating syndrome, and unspecified feeding or eating disorder (UFED).

It's important to note that every type of eating disorder is treatable with the right support. Treatment plans may include psychotherapy, monitoring by a doctor, nutritional counseling, and medication. For severe or progressed cases, inpatient or outpatient treatment centers may offer the most help.

If you think you may be dealing with an eating disorder, talking with someone you trust such as a loved one or friend can be an important factor in getting help. However, only a doctor or therapist can diagnose an eating disorder. They can also help you find the best treatment plan for you.

If you're ready to seek help, you can visit the Psych Central guide to finding mental health care, or contact the National Eating Disorder Association hotline by calling or chatting online with someone who can help. Remember, it's never too late to ask for help.