Understanding Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions involving disturbances in eating behaviors and the thoughts and emotions connected to them. They don’t discriminate—people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds can be affected. Early recognition and support are crucial, and recovery is possible with the right care.
What are Eating Disorders?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) outlines several distinct eating disorders, each with specific diagnostic criteria. Below is a brief overview of some of the most common types.
Understanding Eating Disorders: Key Insights and Support
Explore comprehensive and vital information about eating disorders, including their significant impact on physical and mental health, as well as the crucial role that early intervention and access to effective, evidence-based treatments play in recovery and long-term well-being.
Anorexia Nervosa (AN)
This condition usually involves a long-term limit on how much energy a person takes in. Over time, this causes very low body weight, a strong fear of gaining weight, and a distorted view of body weight or shape. There are two types: the restricting type and the binge-eating/purging type.
Bulimia Nervosa (BN)
For many people, this pattern includes repeated episodes of binge eating, where they eat a large amount of food quickly and feel out of control. After this, many try to make up for it by vomiting, misusing laxatives or diuretics, fasting, or exercising too much.
Binge-Eating Disorder (BED)
Marked by recurrent episodes of binge eating without regular compensatory behaviors. Individuals often experience guilt, shame, and significant distress related to their eating.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)
Includes eating disorders that cause significant distress or impairment but don’t meet full criteria for AN, BN, or BED. Examples include atypical anorexia nervosa, low-frequency/limited-duration bulimia nervosa or binge-eating disorder, purging disorder, and night eating syndrome.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Involves a disturbance in eating or feeding related to low interest in food, sensory sensitivities, or fear of aversive consequences (like choking or vomiting). This leads to inadequate nutrition or energy intake but is not driven by body image concerns.
How Common Are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are more prevalent than many realize. Approximately 9% of individuals in the U.S. will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives.
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Anorexia Nervosa
Lifetime prevalence: ~0.9% in women and 0.3% in men.
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Bulimia Nervosa
Lifetime prevalence: ~1.5% in women and 0.5% in men..
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Binge-Eating Disorder
Lifetime prevalence: ~3.5% in women and 2.0% in men; it is the most common eating disorder.
OSFED is believed to be more prevalent than anorexia or bulimia, though exact rates are harder to determine. ARFID is estimated to affect roughly 1–5% of children and adolescents, and awareness of this diagnosis is growing.
Treatment for Eating Disorders
Effective treatment requires a compassionate, multidisciplinary approach that unites various experts and support systems. Recovery goes far beyond mere willpower. It demands a wide range of comprehensive support mechanisms, carefully designed and well-structured care plans, along with meticulous and ongoing attention to both physical health and emotional well-being. This holistic approach ensures individuals consistently receive the necessary resources, guidance, and encouragement at every stage of their journey toward healing and long-term recovery.
- Psychotherapy: Approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Family-Based Therapy (FBT) help address thoughts, emotions, and behaviors around food, body image, and control.
- Nutritional Counseling: Registered dietitians support the restoration of healthy eating patterns and address nutritional needs.
- Medical Monitoring: Physicians track physical health and manage complications related to malnutrition or compensatory behaviors.
- Medication: Antidepressants and other drugs may treat co-occurring issues like anxiety, depression, or OCD.
Radically Open DBT (RO-DBT) for Eating Disorders
Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT) is a well-researched, evidence-based therapeutic approach that has been specifically developed to support individuals who experience difficulties related to “overcontrol.” This personality trait is commonly linked to chronic eating disorders and other similar conditions. The comprehensive RO-DBT program is composed of several essential key components that work together to address these challenges effectively:
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Openness
Learning to be more receptive to new experiences and feedback.
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Self-Inquiry
Explore and discover your inner world with openness and genuine curiosity, without any judgment or preconceived notions. This mindset fosters deeper self-understanding and personal growth.
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Social Connectedness
Building skills for authenticity, vulnerability, and deeper relationships.
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To learn more about the providers working within this area of focus, click on the names below:
Dr. Katie Card