eating disorder essay paper

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Eating Disorders, Essay Example

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Introduction

Eating disorders affect men and women of all ages, although adolescents tend to be the age group that is more susceptible. This is because, as their bodies are changing, they may feel more pressure by society as well as peer groups to look attractive and fit in (Segal et al). Types of eating disorders include Anorexia, Bulimia and Compulsive Overeating, which can also be related to the first two. The reasons behind Eating Disorder usually stem from a reaction to low self-esteem and a negative means of coping with life and stress (Something Fishy).  Eating disorders are also often associated with an underlying psychological disorder, which may be the reason behind the eating disorder or which may develop from the Eating Disorder itself. Mental health disorders that are often associated with Eating Disorder include Anxiety, Depression, Multiple Personality Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, BiPolar, BiPolar II, Borderline Personality Disorder, Panic Disorder and Dissociative Disorder. The longer a person suffers from ED, the more probable that they will be dealing with another mental illness, most likely Anxiety or Depression (Something Fishy). The eventual outcome of Eating Disorder can be deadly. “Some eating disorders are associated with a 10-15% mortality rate and a 20-25% suicide rate. Sometimes, anorexia, bulimia and compulsive eating may be perceived as slow suicide (Carruthers).” In order to prevent the deadly consequences of Eating Disorder and to prevent it from becoming more pervasive in society, it is necessary to recognize the correct treatment method for this disease.  Traditional treatments have focused on providing risk information to raise awareness of the consequences of Eating Disorder (Lobera et al 263). However, since Eating Disorder is a mental illness, a more effective treatment is one that offers psychological evaluation, counseling and treatment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is emerging as a more robust and effective method that can be used not only to treat Eating Disorder but the associated mental illnesses that may accompany it.

The Problem

Eating disorder is pervasive in society and can have deadly consequences on those that suffer from it. Many time Eating Disorder goes undetected by family members and friends because those suffering will go to great lengths to hide their problem. However, there are some signs and symptoms that can be clues that a person is suffering from some sort of eating disorder. According to Segal, these signs can include:

• Restricting Food or Dieting: A change in eating habits that includes restricting food or excessive dieting. The person my frequently miss meals or not eat, complaining of an upset stomach or that they are not hungry. A use of diet pills or illegal drugs may also be noticed.
• Bingeing: Sufferers may binge eat in secret, which can be hard to detect since they will usually do it late at night or in a private place. Signs of potential bingeing are empty food packages and wrappers and hidden stashes of high calorie junk food or desserts.
• Purging: Those who suffer from bulimia will force themselves to throw up after meals to rid their body of added calories. A sign that this is occurring is when a person makes a trip to the bathroom right after eating on a regular basis, possible running water or a fan to hide the sound of their vomiting. They may also use perfume, mouthwash or breath mints regularly to disguise the smell. In addition to vomiting, laxatives or diuretics may also be used to flush unwanted calories from the body.
• Distorted body image and altered appearance: People suffering from Eating Disorder often have a very distorted image of their own body. While they may appear thin to others, they may view themselves as fat and attempt to hide their body under loose clothing. They will also have an obsessive preoccupation with their weight, and complain of being fat even when it is obvious to others that this is not the case.

There are several possible side effects from Eating Disorders, both physical and psychological. Physical damage can be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the eating disorder and the length of time the person has been suffering from it.  Psychological consequences can be the development of a mental illness, especially depression and anxiety. Some sufferers of Eating Disorder will also develop a coping mechanism such as harming themselves, through cutting, self-mutilation or self-inflicted violence, or SIV (Something Fishy).

Physical consequences of Eating Disorders depend on the type of eating disorder that the person has. Anorexia nervosa can lead to a slow heart rate and low blood pressure, putting the sufferer at risk for heart failure and permanent heart damage. Malnutrition can lead to osteoporosis and dry, brittle bones. Other common complications include kidney damage due to dehydration, overall weakness, hair loss and dry skin. Bulimia nervosa, where the person constantly purges through vomiting, can have similar consequences as Anorexia but with added complications and damage to the esophagus and gastric cavity due to the frequent vomiting. In addition, tooth decay can occur because of damage caused by gastric juices. If the person also uses laxatives to purge, irregular bowel movements and constipation can occur. Peptic ulcers and pancreatitis can also common negative heath effects (National Eating Disorders Association).  If the Eating Disorder goes on for a prolonged time period, death is also a possible affect, which is why it is important to seek treatment for the individual as soon as it is determined that they are suffering from an Eating Disorder.

Once it is recognized that a loved one may be suffering from an Eating Disorder, the next step is coming up with an effective intervention in time to prevent any lasting physical damage or death. The most effective treatment to date is Cognitive-behavioral therapy, an active form of counseling that can be done in either a group or private setting (Curtis). Cognitive-behavioral therapy is used to help correct poor eating habits and prevent relapse as well as change the way the individual thinks about food, eating and their body image (Curtis).

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is considered to be one of the most effective treatments for eating disorders, but of course this depends on both the counselor administrating the therapy and the attitude of the person receiving it.  According to Fairburn (3), while patients with eating disorders “have a reputation for being difficult to treat, the great majority can be helped and many, if not most, can make a full and lasting recovery.” In the study conducted by Lobera et al, it was determined that students that took part in group cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions showed a reduced dissatisfaction with their body and a reduction in their drive to thinness. Self esteem was also improved during the group therapy sessions and eating habits were significantly improved.

“The overall effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy can depend on the duration of the sessions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is considered effective for the treatment of eating disorders. But because eating disorder behaviors can endure for a long period of time, ongoing psychological treatment is usually required for at least a year and may be needed for several years (Curtis).”

  Alternative solutions

Traditional treatments for Eating Disorders rely on educating potential sufferers, especially school aged children, of the potential damage, both psychological and physical, that can be caused by the various eating disorders .

“ Research conducted to date into the primary prevention of eating disorders (ED) has mainly considered the provision of information regarding risk factors. Consequently, there is a need to develop new methods that go a step further, promoting a change in attitudes and behavior in the  target population (Lobera et al).”

The current research has not shown that passive techniques, such as providing information, reduces the prevalence of eating disorders or improves the condition in existing patients. While education about eating disorders, the signs and symptoms and the potential health affects, is an important part of providing information to both the those that may know someone who is suffering from an eating disorder and those that are suffering from one, it is not an effective treatment by itself. It must be integrated with a deeper level of therapy that helps to improve the self-esteem and psychological issues from which the eating disorder stems.

Hospitalization has also been a treatment for those suffering from an eating disorder, especially when a complication, such as kidney failure or extreme weakness, occurs. However, treating the symptom of the eating disorder will not treat the underlying problem. Hospitalization can effectively treat the symptom only when it is combined with a psychological therapy that treats the underlying psychological problem that is causing the physical health problem.

Effectively treating eating disorders is possible using cognitive-behavioral therapy. However, the sooner a person who is suffering from an eating disorder begins treatment the more effective the treatment is likely to be. The longer a person suffers from an eating disorder, the more problems that may arise because of it, both physically and psychologically. While the deeper underlying issue may differ from patient to patient, it must be addressed in order for an eating disorder treatment to be effective. If not, the eating disorder is likely to continue. By becoming better educated about the underlying mental health issues that are typically the cause of eating disorder, both family members and friends of loved ones suffering from eating disorders and the sufferers themselves can take the steps necessary to overcome Eating Disorder and begin the road to recovery.

Works Cited

“Associated Mental Health Conditions and Addictions.” Something Fishy, 2010. Web. 19 November2010.

Carruthers, Martyn. Who Has Eating Disorders?   Soulwork Solutions, 2010. Web. 19 November 2010.

Curtis, Jeanette. “Cognitive-behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders.” WebMD (September 16, 2009). Web. 19 November 2010.

Fairburn, Christopher G. Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Eating Disorders. New York: The Guilford Press, 2008. Print.  

“Health Consequences of Eating Disorders” National Eating Disorders Association (2005). Web. 21 November 2010.

Lobera, I.J., Lozano, P.L., Rios, P.B., Candau, J.R., Villar y Lebreros, Gregorio Sanchez, Millan, M.T.M., Gonzalez, M.T.M., Martin, L.A., Villalobos, I.J. and Sanchez, N.V. “Traditional and New Strategies in the Primary Prevention of Eating Disorders: A Comparative Study in Spanish Adolescents.” International Journal of General Medicine 3  (October 5, 2010): 263-272. Dovepress.Web. 19 November 2010.

Segal, Jeanne, Smith, Melinda, Barston, Suzanne. Helping Someone with an Eating Disorder: Advice for Parents, Family Members and Friends , 2010. Web. 19 November 2010.

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Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Public Health Issues — Eating Disorders

Essay Examples on Eating Disorders

What makes a good eating disorders essay topic.

When it comes to selecting a topic for your eating disorders essay, it's crucial to consider a multitude of factors that can elevate your writing to new heights. Below are some innovative suggestions on how to brainstorm and choose an essay topic that will captivate your readers:

- Brainstorm: Begin by unleashing a storm of ideas related to eating disorders. Delve into the various facets, such as causes, effects, treatment options, societal influences, and personal narratives. Ponder upon what intrigues you and what will engage your audience.

- Research: Embark on a comprehensive research journey to accumulate information and gain a profound understanding of the subject matter. This exploration will enable you to identify distinctive angles and perspectives to explore in your essay. Seek out scholarly sources such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites.

- Cater to your audience: Reflect upon your readers and their interests to tailor your topic accordingly. Adapting your subject matter to captivate your audience will undoubtedly make your essay more engaging. Consider the age, background, and knowledge level of your readers.

- Unveil controversies: Unearth the controversies and debates within the realm of eating disorders. Opting for a topic that ignites discussion will infuse your essay with thought-provoking and impactful qualities. Delve into various viewpoints and critically analyze arguments for and against different ideas.

- Personal connection: If you possess a personal connection or experience with eating disorders, contemplate sharing your story or delving into it within your essay. This will add a unique and personal touch to your writing. However, ensure that your personal anecdotes remain relevant to the topic and effectively support your main points.

Overall, a remarkable eating disorders essay topic should be meticulously researched, thought-provoking, and relevant to your audience's interests and needs.

Best Eating Disorders Essay Topics

Below, you will find a compilation of the finest eating disorders essay topics to consider:

1. The captivating influence of social media on promoting unhealthy body image. 2. Breaking free from stereotypes: Exploring eating disorders among male athletes. 3. The profound impact of diet culture on body image and self-esteem. 4. Unraveling the intricate link between eating disorders and the pursuit of perfection. 5. The portrayal of eating disorders in popular media: Dissecting the battle between glamorization and reality.

Best Eating Disorders Essay Questions

Below, you will find an array of stellar eating disorders essay questions to explore:

1. How does social media contribute to the development and perpetuation of eating disorders? 2. What challenges do males with eating disorders face, and how can these challenges be addressed? 3. To what extent does the family environment contribute to the development of eating disorders? 4. What role does diet culture play in fostering unhealthy relationships with food? 5. How can different treatment approaches be tailored to address the unique needs of individuals grappling with eating disorders?

Eating Disorders Essay Prompts

Below, you will find a collection of eating disorders essay prompts that will kindle your creative fire:

1. Craft a personal essay that intricately details your voyage towards recovery from an eating disorder, elucidating the lessons you learned along the way. 2. Picture yourself as a parent of a teenager burdened with an eating disorder. Pen a heartfelt letter to other parents, sharing your experiences and providing valuable advice. 3. Fabricate a fictional character entangled in the clutches of binge-eating disorder. Concoct a short story that explores their odyssey towards self-acceptance and recovery. 4. Construct a persuasive essay that fervently argues for the integration of comprehensive education on eating disorders into school curricula. 5. Immerse yourself in the role of a therapist specializing in eating disorders. Compose a reflective essay that delves into the challenges and rewards of working with individuals grappling with eating disorders.

Writing Eating Disorders Essays: Frequently Asked Questions

Below, you will find answers to some frequently asked questions about writing eating disorders essays:

Q: How can I effectively commence my eating disorders essay? A: Commence your essay with a captivating introduction that ensnares the reader's attention and provides an overview of the topic. Consider starting with an intriguing statistic, a powerful quote, or a personal anecdote.

Q: Can I incorporate personal experiences into my eating disorders essay? A: Absolutely! Infusing your essay with personal experiences adds depth and authenticity. However, ensure that your personal anecdotes remain relevant to the topic and effectively support your main points.

Q: How can I make my eating disorders essay engaging? A: Utilize a variety of rhetorical devices such as metaphors, similes, and vivid descriptions to transform your essay into an engaging masterpiece. Additionally, consider incorporating real-life examples, case studies, or interviews to provide concrete evidence and make your essay relatable.

Q: Should my essay focus solely on one specific type of eating disorder? A: While focusing on a specific type of eating disorder can provide a narrower scope for your essay, exploring the broader theme of eating disorders as a whole can also be valuable. Strive to strike a balance between depth and breadth in your writing.

Q: How can I conclude my eating disorders essay effectively? A: In your conclusion, summarize the main points of your essay and restate your thesis statement. Additionally, consider leaving the reader with a thought-provoking question or a call to action, encouraging further reflection or research on the topic.

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A Look into The Life of People with Anorexia Nervosa

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Eating disorders refer to a complex set of mental health conditions characterized by disturbances in one's eating behaviors and attitudes towards food, leading to severe consequences on an individual's physical and psychological well-being.

Anorexia Nervosa: Anorexia nervosa is a psychological disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of one's body image. People with this disorder exhibit extreme food restriction, leading to significant weight loss and the possibility of reaching dangerously low levels of body weight. Anorexia nervosa is often accompanied by obsessive thoughts about food, excessive exercise routines, and a constant preoccupation with body shape and size. Bulimia Nervosa: Bulimia nervosa involves a cyclic pattern of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors aimed at preventing weight gain. During binge episodes, individuals consume large quantities of food in a short period and experience a loss of control over their eating. To counteract the caloric intake, these individuals may resort to self-induced vomiting, excessive exercising, or the misuse of laxatives. It is important to note that unlike anorexia nervosa, individuals with bulimia nervosa typically maintain a body weight within the normal range or slightly above. Binge Eating Disorder: Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming a significant amount of food in a short period, accompanied by a feeling of loss of control. Unlike other eating disorders, individuals with binge eating disorder do not engage in compensatory behaviors such as purging or excessive exercise.

Distorted Body Image: Individuals with eating disorders often have a distorted perception of their body, seeing themselves as overweight or unattractive, even when they are underweight or at a healthy weight. Obsession with Food and Weight: People with eating disorders may constantly think about food, calories, and their weight. They may develop strict rules and rituals around eating, such as avoiding certain food groups, restricting their intake, or engaging in excessive exercise. Emotional and Psychological Factors: Eating disorders are often associated with underlying emotional and psychological issues, such as low self-esteem, perfectionism, anxiety, depression, or a need for control. Physical Health: Eating disorders can have severe physical health consequences, including malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, hormonal disruptions, gastrointestinal problems, and organ damage. These complications can be life-threatening and require medical intervention. Social Isolation and Withdrawal: Individuals struggling with eating disorders may experience a withdrawal from social activities, distancing themselves from others due to feelings of shame, guilt, and embarrassment related to their eating behaviors or body image. This social isolation can intensify the challenges they face and contribute to a sense of loneliness and emotional distress. Co-occurring Disorders: Eating disorders frequently co-occur with other mental health conditions, creating complex challenges for those affected. It is common for individuals with eating disorders to also experience anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse issues, or engage in self-harming behaviors. The coexistence of these disorders can exacerbate the severity of symptoms and necessitate comprehensive and integrated treatment approaches.

Genetic and Biological Factors: Research suggests that there is a genetic predisposition to eating disorders. Individuals with a family history of eating disorders or other mental health conditions may be at a higher risk. Biological factors, such as imbalances in brain chemicals or hormones, can also contribute to the development of eating disorders. Psychological Factors: Psychological factors play a significant role in the development of eating disorders. Factors such as diminished self-worth, a relentless pursuit of perfection, dissatisfaction with one's body, and distorted perceptions of body image can play a significant role in the onset and perpetuation of disordered eating patterns. Sociocultural Influences: Societal pressures and cultural norms surrounding body image and beauty standards can contribute to the development of eating disorders. Media portrayal of unrealistic body ideals, peer influence, and societal emphasis on thinness can impact individuals' self-perception and increase the risk of developing an eating disorder. Traumatic Experiences: The impact of traumatic events, be it physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, can heighten the vulnerability to developing eating disorders. Such distressing experiences have the potential to instigate feelings of diminished self-worth, profound body shame, and a compelling desire to exert control over one's body and eating behaviors. Dieting and Weight-related Practices: Restrictive dieting, excessive exercise, and weight-focused behaviors can serve as triggers for the development of eating disorders. These behaviors may start innocently as an attempt to improve one's health or appearance but can spiral into disordered eating patterns.

Psychotherapy: Various forms of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and family-based therapy (FBT), are employed to address the underlying psychological factors contributing to eating disorders. These therapies aim to challenge distorted thoughts and beliefs about body image, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and improve self-esteem. Nutritional Counseling: Working with registered dietitians, individuals receive personalized guidance on developing a balanced and healthy relationship with food. Nutritional counseling focuses on establishing regular eating patterns, promoting mindful eating practices, and debunking harmful dietary myths. Medical Monitoring: This involves regular check-ups to assess physical health, monitor vital signs, and address any medical complications arising from the disorder. Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage associated symptoms like depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Medications can complement therapy and help stabilize mood, regulate eating patterns, or address co-occurring mental health conditions. Support Groups and Peer Support: Joining support groups or engaging in peer support programs can provide individuals with a sense of community and understanding. Interacting with others who have faced similar challenges can offer valuable insights, encouragement, and empathy.

Films: Movies like "To the Bone" (2017) and "Feed" (2017) shed light on the struggles individuals with eating disorders face. These films delve into the psychological and emotional aspects of the disorders, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and promoting recovery. Books: Novels such as "Wintergirls" by Laurie Halse Anderson and "Paperweight" by Meg Haston offer intimate perspectives on the experiences of characters grappling with eating disorders. These books provide insights into the complexities of these conditions, including the internal battles, societal pressures, and the journey towards healing. Documentaries: Documentaries like "Thin" (2006) and "Eating Disorders: Surviving the Silence" (2019) offer real-life accounts of individuals living with eating disorders. These documentaries provide a raw and authentic portrayal of the challenges faced by those affected, raising awareness and encouraging empathy.

1. As per the data provided by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), it is estimated that around 30 million individuals residing in the United States will experience an eating disorder during their lifetime. 2. Research suggests that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. Anorexia nervosa, in particular, has a mortality rate of around 10%, emphasizing the seriousness and potential life-threatening nature of these disorders. 3. Eating disorders can affect individuals of all genders and ages, contrary to the common misconception that they only affect young women. While young women are more commonly affected, studies indicate that eating disorders are increasingly prevalent among men and can also occur in older adults and children.

The topic of eating disorders is of significant importance when it comes to raising awareness, promoting understanding, and addressing the challenges faced by individuals who experience these disorders. Writing an essay on this topic allows for a deeper exploration of the complexities surrounding eating disorders and their impact on individuals, families, and society. First and foremost, studying eating disorders is crucial for shedding light on the psychological, emotional, and physical aspects of these conditions. By delving into the underlying causes, risk factors, and symptoms, we can gain a better understanding of the complex interplay between biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of eating disorders. Furthermore, discussing eating disorders helps to challenge societal misconceptions and stereotypes. It allows us to debunk harmful beliefs, such as the notion that eating disorders only affect a specific gender or age group, and instead emphasizes the reality that anyone can be susceptible to these disorders. Writing an essay on eating disorders also provides an opportunity to explore the impact of media, societal pressures, and body image ideals on the development of disordered eating behaviors. By analyzing these influences, we can advocate for more inclusive and body-positive narratives that promote self-acceptance and well-being. Moreover, addressing the topic of eating disorders is crucial for raising awareness about the available treatment options and support systems. It highlights the importance of early intervention, comprehensive treatment approaches, and access to mental health resources for those affected by these disorders.

1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing. 2. Arcelus, J., Mitchell, A. J., Wales, J., & Nielsen, S. (2011). Mortality rates in patients with anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders: A meta-analysis of 36 studies. Archives of General Psychiatry, 68(7), 724-731. 3. Brown, T. A., Keel, P. K., & Curren, A. M. (2020). Eating disorders. In D. H. Barlow (Ed.), Clinical handbook of psychological disorders: A step-by-step treatment manual (6th ed., pp. 305-357). Guilford Press. 4. Fairburn, C. G., & Harrison, P. J. (2003). Eating disorders. The Lancet, 361(9355), 407-416. 5. Herpertz-Dahlmann, B., & Zeeck, A. (2020). Eating disorders in childhood and adolescence: Epidemiology, course, comorbidity, and outcome. In M. Maj, W. Gaebel, J. J. López-Ibor, & N. Sartorius (Eds.), Eating Disorders (Vol. 11, pp. 68-82). Wiley-Blackwell. 6. Hudson, J. I., Hiripi, E., Pope, H. G., & Kessler, R. C. (2007). The prevalence and correlates of eating disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Biological Psychiatry, 61(3), 348-358. 7. Jacobi, C., Hayward, C., de Zwaan, M., Kraemer, H. C., & Agras, W. S. (2004). Coming to terms with risk factors for eating disorders: Application of risk terminology and suggestions for a general taxonomy. Psychological Bulletin, 130(1), 19-65. 8. Keski-Rahkonen, A., & Mustelin, L. (2016). Epidemiology of eating disorders in Europe: Prevalence, incidence, comorbidity, course, consequences, and risk factors. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 29(6), 340-345. 9. Smink, F. R. E., van Hoeken, D., & Hoek, H. W. (2012). Epidemiology of eating disorders: Incidence, prevalence and mortality rates. Current Psychiatry Reports, 14(4), 406-414. 10. Stice, E., Marti, C. N., & Rohde, P. (2013). Prevalence, incidence, impairment, and course of the proposed DSM-5 eating disorder diagnoses in an 8-year prospective community study of young women. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 122(2), 445-457.

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Eating Disorder - Free Essay Examples And Topic Ideas

Eating disorders, severe conditions related to persistent eating behaviors negatively impacting health, emotions, and the ability to function, encompass various types including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. Essays on eating disorders could explore the psychological, biological, and societal factors contributing to these conditions, and delve into the experiences of those affected. Discussions might also focus on prevention strategies, treatment options, and the societal perception and stigma surrounding eating disorders. Through a comprehensive exploration of eating disorders, essays can shed light on the multifaceted aspects of these serious health conditions and the importance of awareness, understanding, and support. We have collected a large number of free essay examples about Eating Disorder you can find in Papersowl database. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Eating Disorder is a Growing Problem in Modern Society

There are many misconceptions about eating disorders. One that stuck out to me is that people believe that eating disorders are a choice. Eating disorders arise from part of a person's genetic makeup and due to environmental factors. ( 'Eating Disorder Myths.') Their are many studies out their that help prove that eating disorders are often influenced by a person’s genes. Twin studies are useful in proving that eating disorders can be a family affair. ('Understanding Eating Disorders, Anorexia, Bulimia, […]

Anorexia Nervosa is a very Serious Eating Disorder

Anorexia Nervosa is classified as an eating disorder and a disease where individuals go through extreme measures to lose weight such as excessive workouts or extreme food diets in hopes to change their perspective on themselves. Individuals that embody this disease have a distorted body image of oneself and will still feel fat even after taking drastic measures to lose weight. These individuals think poorly and see themselves as overweight even if the individual is underweight. This has a lot […]

Effects of Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is one of the most commonly known eating disorder. It can occur in women and men including adults, kids, and teenagers. Anorexia is a ""mental disorder that is caused by the unsound terror of gaining weight. Anorexia nervosa is an ""emotional disorder characterized by an obsessive desire to lose weight by refusing food, commonly known as anorexia. Experts believe anorexia is caused by ""personality, genetics, environment, biochemistry, and overall emotional health. There are many horrific effects of anorexia […]

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There are Two Types of Eating Disorder

After reviewing Carly’s case and comparing it to the criterion in the DSM-5 it was determined that she has Anorexia Nervosa. Anorexia is an eating disorder that is classified by extreme weight loss and difficulty in maintaining an appropriate weight (Anorexia Nervosa, 2018). There are two subtypes of anorexia. The subtypes are the restricting type and the binge eating/ purging type. The restricting type is characterized by episodes of weight loss through dieting, fasting, or excessive exercise. The binge eating/ […]

Eating Disorders Body Dissatisfaction and Self-Esteem Among South Korean Women

Abstract The Asian culture has be heavily influenced by Western Values, Asian women value thinness, which has led to a rise in eating disorders among them. Over the past 20 years eating disorders have increased. Body dissatisfaction is usually associated with body image (how you feel about the way your body looks). The dislikeness of one's body is more common with women than it is common with men. Today, Korean women have greater body dissatisfaction than the U.S. women have. […]

Thin Models: Fashion Forward

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An Eating Disorder Doesn’t Come out of Nowhere

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Current approach to eating disorders: a clinical update

Phillipa hay.

1 Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney New South Wales, Australia

2 Campbelltown Hospital, SWSLHD, Sydney New South Wales, Australia

This article presents current diagnostic conceptualisations of eating disorders, including new disorders such as binge eating disorder (BED) and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). This is followed by contemporary findings in the epidemiology of eating disorders, their broad sociodemographic distribution and the increases in community prevalence. Advances and the current status of evidence‐based treatment and outcomes for the main eating disorders, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and BED are discussed with focus on first‐line psychological therapies. Deficits in knowledge and directions for further research are highlighted, particularly with regard to treatments for BED and ARFID, how to improve treatment engagement and the management of osteopenia.

Introduction

The conceptualisation of eating disorders has expanded rapidly in the last 10 years to include binge eating disorder (BED) and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) in addition to anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. These are now recognised as four well‐conceptualised disorders, which have been reclassified as Feeding and Eating Disorders (FEDs) in the 5th revision of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐5) published in 2013 and in the 11th revision of the World Health Organisation's International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems published in 2019. 1 , 2 The common key diagnostic features of the main disorders of both schemes are shown in Table ​ Table1. 1 . The vast majority of research and clinical understanding is with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and BED, and thus this paper will focus on these.

Key diagnostic features of the main feeding and eating disorders

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are eating disorders characterised by the internalisation of the thin ideal and extreme weight‐control behaviours. In both, overvaluation of weight and shape – where such body image concern is of major or paramount importance to self‐view – is a mandatory criterion. Anorexia nervosa is distinct as a condition of self‐starvation, where people are underweight and engaged in behaviours to prevent weight gain. It includes people who do and do not binge eat or purge (induce vomiting or laxative/diuretic misuse). People with bulimia nervosa are not underweight, and are in a cycle of binge eating and purging and/or fasting/compulsive exercise. In contrast, BED and ARFID are the first FEDs that do not have body image concerns as core diagnostic criteria. They are distinguished by being disorders of eating behaviours, the former of recurrent binge eating without regular purging and the latter of avoidance and aversion to food and eating. All eating disorders occur across the age spectrum although anorexia nervosa and ARFID more commonly present in childhood and adolescence years, whereas bulimia nervosa and BED are uncommon in paediatric populations.

Advances in diagnosis and classification

The changes to diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa in DSM‐5 and ICD‐11 are subtle but important. Although physical consequences of starvation such as amenorrhea and osteopenia still occur, the former is no longer a mandatory criterion to diagnose anorexia owing to its frequent lack of applicability, for example in men and women who are taking hormonal contraception. In DSM‐5, there are also severity criteria based on body mass index (BMI; kg/m 2 ) levels or their equivalent in children but no upper BMI, and whether a person is underweight (needed for a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa) is a clinical judgement. People with a BMI in the normal range but who otherwise resemble those with anorexia nervosa may be given the DSM‐5 diagnosis of Atypical Anorexia Nervosa – a type of Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED).

Another change to anorexia nervosa in both schemes is to no longer require the person to report a ‘fear of fatness’ or weight gain – regarded often as a culturally specific phenomenon. However, if this is not reported, evidence of weight prevention/loss behaviours is required to confirm a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa. Overvaluation and other body image concerns may occur in people with BED but are proscribed for individuals with ARFID in both schemes.

Bulimia nervosa has changed little, but the criteria have broadened, and binge eating (overeating on contextually large amounts of food over which the person has lost control of eating) with compensatory weight loss behaviours may now occur as little as once a week, but this must be for 3 months in DSM‐5 or 1 month in ICD‐11. Similarly, a minimum frequency of weekly binge eating over several months is required for a diagnosis of BED in both schemes. However, although overvaluation is not required in either scheme, marked distress associated with binge eating is mandatory for BED. In the DSM‐5, 3/5 additional features associated with binge eating are also required for BED. These additional features are: (i) eating rapidly than normal; (ii) eating when not hungry; (iii) eating until uncomfortably full; (iv) eating alone; and (v) negative emotions of depression, guilt or disgust following overeating. 1 Both bulimia nervosa and BED occur evenly across the weight spectrum, from normal to above normal bodyweights. In clinical settings, the diagnosis of bulimia nervosa is commonly made in the context of purging behaviours such as self‐induced vomiting and laxative misuse for weight control. However, people with bulimia nervosa can also present without purging, but with extreme dietary restriction/fasting and/or driven exercise regimens. This non‐purging form of bulimia nervosa is more common in the community 3 and may differ from BED only in the manifestation of regular compensatory behaviours. ICD‐11 differs from DSM‐5 with regard to defining BED, in neither requiring the amount of food consumed in a binge to be unusually large – that is subjective binge episodes are included – nor requiring the 3/5 additional features of binge eating. 2 These broader criteria are likely to increase the clinical utility of the ICD scheme compared with DSM and are in line with the lived experience of BED, whereby it is the loss of control and perception of overeating that is the distressing quality of the binge episode, much more so than the amount of food eaten.

People with eating disorders that do not meet the behavioural frequency or other criteria of one of the main eating disorders and whose problems are less well conceptualised, previously termed as Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, may be now classified as OSFED or Unspecified FED (UFED) in the DSM‐5, 1 or as the poorly specified Other Feeding or Eating Disorder in ICD‐11. 2 OSFED includes atypical anorexia nervosa, subthreshold bulimia nervosa and BED, purging disorder and night eating syndrome.

Atypical anorexia nervosa, that is anorexia nervosa where BMI may be in the ‘adequate’ range of 20–25 kg/m 2 or higher, is probably becoming more common as the mean weight of the general population shifts to the right. Management is similar to anorexia nervosa. Night eating syndrome often presents in the context of sleep disturbance. It is similar to BED in assessment and management. Purging disorder (without regular binge eating) is not very common, and its management is similar to that for bulimia nervosa.

Although evidence is limited, the addition of these previously unrecognised eating disorders, such as BED and ARFID, has implications for clinicians, jurisdictions and more broadly public health. Prevention initiatives, clinician awareness and health service infrastructure may need to be expanded to ensure adequate identification and management of the now diverse spectrum of eating disorders.

Epidemiology including distribution and determinants

A systematic review reported weighted population means (and ranges) of lifetime prevalence as: (i) anorexia nervosa 1.4% (0.1–3.6%) for women and 0.2% (0–0.3%) for men, (ii) bulimia nervosa 1.9% (0.3–4.6%) for women and 0.6% (0.1–1.3%) for men and (iii) BED 2.8% (0.6–5.8%) for women and 1.0% (0.3–2.0%) for men. 4 There are few studies on the general population prevalence of DSM‐5 eating disorders. An Australian adult general population study included cases of OSFED and ARFID. 3 It found a 3‐month prevalence of bulimia nervosa (1.2%) and BED (1.5%) respectively. (Note that the study did not, however, apply the DSM‐5 3/5 binge eating specifiers.) The study also examined ARFID and OSFED and found a prevalence of 0.3% and 3.2% respectively. The majority of OSFED had atypical anorexia nervosa. 3 Many people (around 10%) reported weekly binge eating but without marked distress, these were placed in UFED – however, this group did not have high levels of health impairment, casting some doubt on the clinical significance of this group. 3

The true community incidence of eating disorders is unknown. However, cohort and clinical incidence studies suggest a community‐wide increase in bulimia nervosa and in BED.

Increases in anorexia nervosa also have occurred and are greatest in young women. 5 , 6 All three main disorders are also associated with moderate to high levels of psychosocial and work impairment. 3 , 6

The prevalence of eating disorders is higher in women and in young people. However, BED is more common in men. All problems may be more prevalent across socioeconomic groups and in First Australians than previously thought. 7 Risk minimisation may be achieved with improved media literacy, reduced thin idealisation and promoting a positive/healthy relationship with weight and eating. 8 Bulimia nervosa and BED shared intersecting risk factors for overweight/obesity (e.g. a child history of trauma). Therefore, weight loss management, if required, is best in a supervised environment where care can be taken to address and prevent emergence of eating disorders and other psychological co‐morbidities. 9

Management of eating disorders – overview

For all eating disorders (including ARFID), the main treatment as delineated in the current national and international guidelines is a form of psycho‐behavioural therapy which can most usually be provided on an outpatient basis. 9 , 10 , 11 People with more severe symptoms, or who are not improving with less restrictive care may be treated in a partial (day) or full hospital specialist programme. 11 , 12 Evidence‐based therapies delivered by an eating disorders‐informed clinician are considered most efficacious, and are preferred by people with eating disorders. 12 This approach may also be more cost‐effective and reduce hospitalisations. 12

In addition to specific psychological therapy, treatment needs to address important nutritional, physical and mental health co‐morbidities and thus is ideally from a multi‐disciplinary team. These teams at a minimum would comprise a psychological therapist and a family doctor. In more complex cases of eating disorders, such as most people with anorexia nervosa, more severe cases of bulimia nervosa and BED, and those requiring hospital care, additional interdisciplinary supports are required. These include a registered dietitian, specialist physician/paediatrician, psychiatrist, nurse(s), an exercise therapist, activity/occupational therapist and social worker or family therapist. 9 , 10 , 11

Psychological therapies

Specific psychological therapies like the trans‐diagnostic Cognitive Behaviour Therapy – Enhanced (CBT‐E) are the first‐line treatment for all eating disorders with the greatest impact on symptom reduction and other outcomes. 13 This is usually delivered in 20 weekly sessions for bulimia nervosa and BED and in 40 sessions for anorexia nervosa.

Briefer forms (e.g. 10 sessions of online guided self‐help CBT) as a first step in care or for people with less severe illness have been developed. 9 These have a moderate evidence base, comparable to CBT delivered by an eating disorder informed therapist, but many people continue to be symptomatic and require further sessions. ‘Pure’ self‐help, where there is no guidance, is not recommended except as a first step while waiting for care.

The most major recent advances in treatments for eating disorders have come from psychological therapy trials of child/adolescent and adults with anorexia nervosa supported by several systematic reviews and network and other meta‐analyses. 14 In children and adolescents, an atheoretical family‐based treatment (FBT) is the leading modality of care. FBT may be delivered in whole family as well as separated family (where the parents are seen apart from the child). 15 Family therapy has also been adapted for bulimia nervosa. 9 An alternative, but with a weaker evidence base to FBT, is a form of CBT‐E that has been modified to have additional brief family sessions. 16 Similarly, adolescent focal psychotherapy can be used for younger people with anorexia nervosa. 9

Although there is no similar leading therapy for adults with anorexia nervosa, CBT is the most commonly practised therapy in Australia. Other evidence‐based psychological therapies for anorexia nervosa are the Maudsley Anorexia Nervosa Therapy for Adults (MANTRA), 17 Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM) 18 and Focal Psychodynamic Therapy (FPT). 19 Table ​ Table2 2 summarises the key elements of the main evidence‐based therapies for adults and a good description of all psychological therapies is found in the NICE guidelines. 10 All therapies provide psychoeducation and aim to restore the person's physical health with weight monitoring, nutritional counselling and meal planning, often alongside sessions from a registered dietitian. They were developed for individual outpatient care over 8 months or longer. CBT has been adapted for delivery in group settings, which is usual in hospital programmes. All have manuals to provide guidance for therapies and which are used in training. In Australia, the most accessible training is for CBT, followed by SSCM and MANTRA. All have moderate levels of attrition.

Comparative features of evidence based therapies for adults with anorexia nervosa

CBT‐E, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy – Enhanced; FPT, Focal Psychodynamic Therapy; MANTRA, Maudsley Anorexia Nervosa Therapy for Adults; SSCM, Specialist Supportive Clinical Management.

Pharmacological therapies

In contrast to psychological care, there have been fewer advances in pharmacological treatments for anorexia nervosa. There are several small trials now of second‐generation antipsychotics, such as olanzapine for anorexia nervosa with mixed results. 11 A recent large ( n = 152) 16‐weeks outpatient placebo‐controlled trial of olanzapine (mean dose 7.77 mg/day) as a primary treatment for adults with anorexia nervosa found a moderate effect size on weight gain favouring the active drug. 20 However, the rate of weight gain was very small (approximately 0.7 kg/month) and negligible with placebo. There were no other significant differences on primary outcomes and only one secondary outcome difference for shape concerns favouring the placebo arm. Importantly, there were no differences on metabolic outcomes. Other psychotropic agents, such as antidepressants, have little direct role or evidence for treatment in anorexia nervosa, but antidepressants may be used where there is co‐morbid major depression. 14

There are several trials supporting agents for the treatment of BED and bulimia nervosa. Since the early trials of higher dose‐selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g. fluoxetine 60 mg daily), there has been a small number of trials of topiramate and (for BED) lisdexamfetamine. 11 , 21 Meta‐analyses support a role for the second‐generation antidepressants and lisdexamfetamine but not as standalone treatments as effect sizes are small to medium and attrition may be higher than with psychological therapies. 21 Most use in Australia is also ‘off label’, with the exception of lisdexamfetamine which is approved for BED that is moderate to severe and under specialist psychiatrist management. The longer term safety of lisdexamfetamine is considered commensurate with that found for its use in attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Refeeding and osteopenia

The risks of refeeding too quickly and the refeeding syndrome are now well‐recognised, but programmes may have become overcautious. Research supports optimising hospital care to allow more rapid weight regain protocols and more assertive refeeding protocols have been demonstrated to be safe when combined with assertive medical monitoring and nutritional supplementation of, for example phosphate. 22 However, such regimens need to monitor psychological distress as this may be higher with more rapid weight gain.

Osteopenia in people with sustained periods of low weight and sex steroid suppression continues to be a known medical risk for which treatment remains an ‘unmet critical need’ (Schorr et al ., p. 78). 23 Bone loss may be irreversible, especially if this occurs during the critical growth period of post‐pubertal bone accretion. People with anorexia nervosa thus may not reach their peak bone mass and hence later in life more quickly reach osteopenic levels, especially women in their post‐menopausal years. Thus, there is both increased risk of fracture in youth as well as older age. Management relies on weight restoration and normalisation of endocrine homeostasis. There is a small number of trials of anti‐resorptive and anabolic agents. There has been one positive trial of transdermal oestrogen physiological replacement and teriparatide respectively. Studies into raloxifene, denosumab and other parathyroid hormone analogues, such as abaloparatide, are lacking or are limited to case reports. Most success has been reported for bisphosphonates. However, safety concerns and potential teratogenicity caution against the use of bisphophonates in young women. 23

Outcomes and prognosis

Research supports cautious optimism for recovery from an eating disorder, albeit it may be slow. A recent, large 22‐year follow‐up study of 228 women with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa treated in a specialist centre found the majority (around two‐thirds) recovered, and that most with bulimia nervosa achieved this within 9 years, but only about half of those with anorexia nervosa achieved recovery within 9 years. 24 This is consistent with the body of outcome literature. 6 Less is known about long‐term outcomes for BED and other eating disorders, but treatment is important as spontaneous remission appears to be low and early symptom change is the best predictor of outcome across all eating disorders. 25

A meta‐analysis has reported the presence of binge eating and purging behaviours, lower BMI, early stage of change (low motivation), concurrent depressed mood and other co‐morbidities, higher body image concerns and poorer quality of current relationships to be consistently associated with poorer treatment outcomes both in the medium to longer term across all eating disorders. Attrition was also associated with binge eating and purging behaviours and low motivation to change. However, effect sizes varied highly across studies and were small to moderate indicating many people recover despite having negative prognostic features. 25

A major challenge in improving treatment outcomes is to close the ‘treatment gap’. A majority of people with anorexia nervosa and a large majority with bulimia nervosa and BED delay seeking care for a decade or longer. 10 Many factors contribute to this problem, but important issues are low levels of health literacy, help‐seeking for weight loss management rather than the eating disorder, stigma, shame and poor affordability and access to evidence‐based psychological therapies.

Eating disorders are common in Australians and may be increasing. Effective psychological therapies are the first‐line in care and most people recover in the medium to longer term. Hospital care can be life‐saving and efficient access to care is important – the major challenge is the wide treatment gap and delays. Few pharmacologic agents are helpful in the management of bulimia nervosa and BED. Further research is needed particularly in the management of osteopenia, achieving earlier treatment engagement, an improved understanding of which therapies work best for whom, prognostic factors and outcomes. Research is urgently needed for the newer eating disorders, BED and ARFID.

Funding: Disclosure: P. Hay has received in sessional fees and lecture fees from the Australian Medical Council, Therapeutic Guidelines publication, and New South Wales Institute of Psychiatry and royalties from Hogrefe and Huber, McGraw Hill Education, and Blackwell Scientific Publications, and she has received research grants from the NHMRC and ARC. She is Chair of the National Eating Disorders Collaboration in Australia. In July 2017, she provided a commissioned report for Shire Pharmaceuticals on lisdexamfetamine and binge eating disorders and has received Honoraria from Shire for teaching at educational events for Psychiatrists.

Conflict of interest: None.

Essay on Eating Disorders

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100 Words Essay on Eating Disorders

Understanding eating disorders.

Eating disorders are serious health problems. They occur when individuals develop unhealthy eating habits that can harm their body. They often start with an obsession with food, body weight, or body shape.

Types of Eating Disorders

There are three main types of eating disorders: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder. Each has different symptoms but all can be harmful.

Impact on Health

Eating disorders can damage important body parts like the heart and brain. They can also affect mental health, causing anxiety or depression.

Getting Help

If you or someone you know has an eating disorder, it’s important to seek help. Doctors, therapists, and support groups can provide treatment and support.

250 Words Essay on Eating Disorders

Introduction.

Eating disorders, a category of mental health conditions, have been a subject of increasing concern in contemporary society. They are characterized by severe disturbances in eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions, often driven by body dissatisfaction and distorted body image.

The most common types are Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder. Anorexia is defined by a refusal to maintain a healthy body weight and an obsessive fear of gaining weight. Bulimia involves frequent episodes of binge eating followed by behaviors like forced vomiting to avert weight gain. Binge Eating Disorder is characterized by frequent overeating episodes but without subsequent purging actions.

Sociocultural Influences

Sociocultural factors play a significant role in the onset of eating disorders. The media’s portrayal of an ‘ideal’ body size and shape can contribute to body dissatisfaction and consequently, disordered eating behaviors.

Health Implications

The health implications of eating disorders are severe, impacting both physical and mental health. These can range from malnutrition, organ damage, to increased risk of suicide.

Eating disorders, therefore, are serious conditions that require comprehensive treatment. Increased awareness, early diagnosis, and interventions can significantly improve the prognosis and quality of life for those affected.

500 Words Essay on Eating Disorders

Introduction to eating disorders.

Eating disorders represent a group of serious conditions characterized by abnormal eating habits that can negatively affect a person’s physical and mental health. These disorders often develop from a complex interplay of genetic, psychological, and sociocultural factors.

The Types of Eating Disorders

The most common types of eating disorders are Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder. Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, leading to self-starvation and excessive weight loss. Bulimia Nervosa involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors like vomiting or excessive exercise. Binge Eating Disorder, the most common eating disorder in the U.S., involves recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food, often very quickly and to the point of discomfort.

The Underlying Causes

Eating disorders are typically multifactorial and can’t be attributed to a single cause. They often coexist with other mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role, suggesting that eating disorders can run in families. Sociocultural factors, including societal pressures to be thin, can also contribute to the development of these disorders.

The Impact on Physical and Mental Health

The physical consequences of eating disorders are profound and can be life-threatening. They range from malnutrition, heart conditions, and bone loss in anorexia, to gastrointestinal problems and electrolyte imbalances in bulimia. Binge eating disorder can lead to obesity and related complications like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

The mental health consequences are equally severe and include depression, anxiety, and increased risk of suicide. Eating disorders can also lead to social isolation and impaired functioning at work or school.

Treatment and Recovery

Treatment for eating disorders typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, combining medical, psychological, and nutritional therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often effective, helping individuals to understand and change patterns of thought and behavior that lead to disordered eating.

Early intervention is crucial for recovery. However, stigma and lack of understanding about these disorders can often delay treatment. Therefore, raising awareness and promoting understanding about eating disorders is essential.

Eating disorders are serious and complex mental health conditions with significant physical and psychological consequences. Understanding their multifactorial nature is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. The importance of early intervention and the role of societal attitudes in both the development and recovery from these disorders cannot be overstated. As a society, we must strive to promote body positivity and mental health awareness to help those struggling with these debilitating conditions.

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101 Eating Disorders Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on eating disorders, 📚 eating disorders research paper examples, 👍 good eating disorders research topics & essay examples, 🎓 most interesting eating disorders research titles, 💡 simple eating disorders essay ideas, ❓ eating disorder research questions.

• Essay on Eating Disorders in Adolescents
• Eating Disorders: Diagnosis and Treatment
• “The Globalization of Eating Disorders” by Susan Bordo
• Treatment of Eating Disorders
• Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa
• Binge Eating Disorder: Information for Patients
• Effect of Social-cultural Factors on Eating Disorders
• Food Allergies and Eating Disorders Along with food allergies, mental health disorders are widely spread diseases. Eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating, are common among young women.
• Media Effects on Eating Disorder Symptoms In terms of modern technology-based society, media exposure has significantly increased its influence and role in the lives of its large audience.
• Eating Disorders: Types and Causes This paper will focus on such conditions as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, muscle dysmorphia, and obesity.
• Anorexia Nervosa & Bulimia Nervosa Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are both eating disorders; due to the peculiarities of the course of disorders, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish them.
• The Impact of Media on Eating Disorders Media and celebrities need to recognize their role in projecting body image and influencing people. Some advertisements can harm the younger generation.
• Eating Disorders Among Athletes The pressure from the necessity to become successful is one of the major factors contributing to the emergence and development of eating disorders in athletes.
• Anorexia Nervosa: Signs and Symptoms, Treatment One of the types of eating disorders is anorexia nervosa, which is widely spread nowadays, especially among young girls and women.
• Psychosocial Risk Factors for Eating Disorders by Keel and Forney Idealization of thinness and subsequent issues with body image and weight are emphasized by Keel and Forney in the findings.
• Anorexia Nervosa Among Eating Disorders in Adolescence Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an incessant desire to be thin, hence the unhealthy eating behaviors that include starving.
• Eating Disorders and Therapeutic Support Eating disorders are significant mental and physical diseases that entail complicated and harmful interactions with food, feeding, exercising, and self-image.
• Social Control in Eating Disorders The need for food is a basic need aimed at maintaining homeostasis and obtaining the energy and nutrients necessary for life.
• Eating Disorders and Programs That Address Body Image Issues The paper states that excessive weight and disordered eating are significant public health issues in America and other western countries.
• The Scoff Questionnaire: Risk of Eating Disorders The paper discusses a method to identify children at risk of eating disorders. The children were provided with both relevant referrals and treatment.
• Eating Disorders and Social Interactions The paper indicates that social surroundings can make people feel insecure and push towards the development of eating disorders.
• Eating Disorders: Finding the Right Treatment An eating disorder is becoming a significant health concern among people. There are many factors connected to the root cause of eating behavior.
• Eating Disorders: “Out of Control?” by Claes et al. The study “Out of control?” by Claes et al. aims to investigate variations between restrictive and bingeing/ purging eating disorders.
• Bulimia Nervosa Diagnosis and Procedural Plan The patient has been showing the tendency to vomit after every instance of food intake, which is the primary sign of bulimia nervosa.
• Obsessive-Compulsive and Eating Disorders in Children In both OCD and ED, developmental milestones are crucial to consider because they can help indicate points of positive versus adverse health.
• Anorexia and Eating Disorders Treatments In the research paper, the source could be used to discuss research gaps related to anorexia treatments and raise the topic of controversial practices in treating EDs.
• Swan’s Case as an Example of an Eating Disorder Being focused on success in ballet and becoming a recognized dancer, Swan demonstrates anxiety because of the possible weight gain.
• Teen Anorexia: Mental Illness and an Eating Disorder Adolescents have increasingly been diagnosed with anorexia. They often have a nervous type of pathology, which is a psychological illness and is accompanied by an eating disorder.
• Eating Disorders in Adult Women This paper discusses eating disorders in adult women and treatment alternatives to reverse the health care challenge, which is threatening the health of this group.
• Anorexia Among Young Adults and Family Treatment The population needs to encourage family teaching to intervene with anorexia since parents are frequently unsupportive of their children with complexes.
• Orthorexia as an Eating Disorder in the DSM Adequate nutrition ensures quality of life, including the level of health and the body’s ability to cope with physical, mental, and psycho-emotional stress.
• Eating Disorders Like Bulimia Nervosa and Anorexia Nervosa Though the loss of weight might be a positive aspect of healthy diets, people with orthorexia Nervosa do not have a disordered body image nor a determination for thinness.
• Genetic Factors as the Cause of Anorexia Nervosa Genetic predisposition currently seems the most plausible explanation among all the proposed etiologies of anorexia.
• Orthorexia Nervosa and Eating Disorder Orthorexia nervosa is becoming a serious problem for the patient’s physical and psychological health, hence the attention of nutritionists should be focused on studying this disorder.
• The Problem of Anorexia Among College Students Anorexia nervosa and eating disorders in college students and adolescents are the problems that require immediate intervention.
• Eating Disorders: Why Do We Need to Control Our Nutrition? People with confirmed diagnoses of eating disorders need qualified help from specialists since neglecting a healthy diet is fraught with dangerous health outcomes.
• Anorexia Nervosa: History, Diagnosis and Treatment Anorexia nervosa among the eating disorders which is considered in the psychiatric illness. There are categories that have been advanced in the diagnosis of this illness.
• Plausible Causes for Male Eating Disorders These days, however, things have changed significantly and out of five million Americans who suffer from eating disorders each year the percentage of males is tangible.
• Anorexia Nervosa as a Brain Disorder Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an uncontrollable desire to be thin, low weight, food restrictions, and a fear of gaining pounds.
• Anorexia Nervosa, Its Etiology and Treatment One of the eating disorders that affect a significant number of young individuals nowadays is anorexia nervosa.
• Normal Dieting and Eating Disorders Healthy dieting behaviors are essential for people’s health and well-being. This paper discusses the difference between normal dieting and eating disorders.
• Anorexia Nervosa: Perspectives and Treatment The purpose of this paper is to review the causes of anorexia nervosa and to propose a treatment plan for patients experiencing this health problem.
• Anorexia Nervosa: Psychological and Physiological Therapy The design of therapy of anorexia nervosa needs to incorporate both psychological and biological components so the patient could resume proper dieting and gain weight.
• Inpatients’ Eating Disorders and Countermeasures This paper explores the efficacy of meal supervision, patient and nurse education as the tools for improving the efficacy of nutrition, and enhancing patient outcomes.
• Eating Disorders in Adolescents: Causes and Treatment People should have regular checkups for any disorders, especially when they start noticing body changes anytime they eat a certain type of food.
• Eating Disorders in Adult Population The major part of this paper is the design of the group proposal about group therapy and its application in the eating disorder in adult population.
• Theoretical and Methodological Considerations for Research on Eating Disorders and Gender
• Body Dissatisfaction and Eating Disorders
• Eating Disorders Among Different Cultures
• Causes, Effects, and Solutions to Eating Disorders
• Adonis Complex Eating Disorders
• Are Eating Disorders Really About Food
• Eating Disorders and the Treatment Applicable Effectiveness
• Linking Eating Disorders With Genetics
• Childhood Sexual Abuse and Eating Disorders
• Nutrition Intervention for Eating Disorders
• Photoshopping Images and How It Impacts Eating Disorders
• Eating Disorders and Its Effects on the Lives and Relationships
• The Correlation Between Social Media and The Development of Eating Disorders
• Eating Disorders Affecting American Women
• How And Why People Develop Eating Disorders
• Theories Behind Eating Disorders: Negative Impact on Young Youth
• Examining Eating Disorders and Social Learning Theory to Draw Useful Conclusions
• Hidden Eating Disorders During Bodybuilding
• Eating Disorders and Methods of Its Treatment
• The Relationship Between Ghrelin and Eating Disorders
• Body Image and Eating Disorders Among Young Ballerinas
• Eating Disorders Are Common Among American Children
• Fashion Triggers Eating Disorders
• Bulimia and Anorexia: The Dangers of Eating Disorders
• Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Eating Disorders
• The Three Major Eating Disorders in the United States
• Childhood Factors and Eating Disorders Symptoms
• Causes and Analysis of Eating Disorders and The Theory of Social Learning
• The Prevalence and Causes of Eating Disorders in the United States
• The Role Of Social Identity In Eating Disorder
• Why Do Athletes Struggle With Eating Disorders?
• What Is the Connection Between Body Image and Eating Disorders?
• Can Affirmations End Binge Eating Disorder?
• Do People With Eating Disorders See Themselves Differently?
• What Is Eating Disorder Most Common Among College Students?
• How Does Beauty Standards Cause Eating Disorders?
• Why Is Looking in the Mirror So Hard for People With Eating Disorders?
• Do Athletes Struggle With Eating Disorders?
• How Can a Patient Overcome an Eating Disorder?
• Which Personality Trait Is Linked to Eating Disorders?
• Can You Control if You Have an Eating Disorder?
• What Kinds of Medicine Are Helpful to Patients With Eating Disorders?
• Do Eating Disorders Have a Genetic Link?
• Which Eating Disorder Is Most Likely to Be Helped by Antidepressants?
• Can Perfectionism Translate Into Eating Disorder?
• What Interpersonal Factors Can Cause Eating Disorders?
• Is Clinical Depression Associated With Eating Disorders?
• What Are the Four Main Psychological Emotional States That Associated With Eating Disorders?
• Which Personality Type Is Most Likely to Have an Eating Disorder?
• Can Stress Cause Eating Disorders and Depression?
• Why Might There Be a Strong Connection Between Eating Disorders and Depression?
• Which Eating Disorder Has the Highest Mortality?
• Do Females Have the Same Rates of Eating Disorders as Males?
• What Is the Most Important Part of Treating Eating Disorders?
• How Does Social Media Influence the Prevalence of Eating Disorders?

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These essay examples and topics on Eating Disorders were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on January 8, 2024 .

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, discussing my eating disorder in college essays – too personal or potentially impactful.

Hey guys, so here's the thing – I’ve battled with an eating disorder, and it’s been a significant part of my high school experience. Should I write about overcoming this challenge in my essays, or would it be better to choose a less sensitive subject?

Your courage in facing and overcoming such a personal challenge is commendable. When choosing an essay topic, the key is to focus on how the experience has shaped you and enabled personal growth. If you believe that your journey with an eating disorder has been a transformational part of your high school experience and has changed you in a significant way, it is worth considering as an essay topic.

However, ensure that your narrative is one of resilience and that it showcases how this experience has helped you build up your strengths, rather than solely focusing on the struggle itself. For example, avoid graphic descriptions of what you dealt with, as they may be uncomfortable for admissions officers to read, especially if they have struggled with eating disorders themselves—remember, you never know who is going to be reading your essay.

Rather, focus on how overcoming the hardship of this experience has taught you important life skills, by talking about accomplishments or formative experiences that were enabled by the abilities you developed as a result of your struggle with your eating disorder. This approach will give colleges what they are interested in in any personal statement, which is your ability to persevere and how your experiences have prepared you for the challenges of college life.

In summary, this topic is not too personal if framed correctly. If you're wondering if your approach is working, you can always check out CollegeVine's free peer essay review service, or submit it to an expert advisor for a paid review. Since they don't know you, they can provide an objective perspective that will hopefully give you a sense of how an actual admissions officer would read you essay. Good luck!

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CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Journal of Eating Disorders

Call for papers: moving the needle on eating disorder treatment: precision psychiatry and personalized treatment advances.

Phillipa Hay , Editor-in-Chief

Western Sydney University, Australia

Professor Phillipa Hay is a leading mental health researcher, educator, and practicing Psychiatrist. Her research has been translational, guided policy and practice, and award winning, e.g., in 2015 she received the Lifetime Leadership Award from the ANZ Academy for Eating Disorders, and in 2020 she was awarded the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Senior Research Award. She laid the foundations for mental health programs in two new medical schools James Cook and Western Sydney. She has a DPhil in Psychiatry from the University of Oxford and MD (Medicine) from University of Otago, is a Fellow of the RANZCP, and Fellow of the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED).

Stephen Touyz , Editor-in-Chief

University of Sydney, Australia

Stephen Touyz is an Emeritus Professor at the University of Sydney and Director of the Inside Out Institute, a joint partnership between the Sydney Local Health District and the University of Sydney. He is Editor in Chief of the Journal of Eating Disorders which he co-founded a decade ago. He is a past president of the Eating Disorders Research Society. He is a member of the Commonwealth Government of Australia’s Technical Advisory Group for Eating Disorders and a member of the steering committee of the National Eating Disorders Collaboration. He was presented with a leadership award in research by the Academy of Eating Disorders in 2012, the first ever Lifetime Achievement Award by the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Eating Disorders in 2014 and the Ian M Campbell Prize in Clinical Psychology from the Australian Psychological Society in 2014. He has edited/co-edited 6 books and published over 480 scholarly papers/book chapters.

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Walter Kaye and the UCSD Eating Disorders Research team have published over 250 papers on the neurobiology of eating disorders. These publications include behavioral, treatment, and cognitive neuroscience studies that have improved understanding of the clinical presentation, genetics, neurotransmitter systems, and neural substrates involved in appetite dysregulation and disordered eating. These studies are guiding the development of more effective, neurobiologically informed interventions.

• Change in motivational bias during treatment predicts outcome in anorexia nervosa
• Sophie R. Abber MS, Susan M. Murray PhD, Carina S. Brown MS, Christina E. Wierenga PhD
• doi: 10.1002/eat.24156. Epub 2024 February 01.
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• The acceptability, feasibility, and possible benefits of a neurobiologically-informed 5-day multifamily treatment for adults with anorexia nervosa
• Christina E. Wierenga, Laura Hill, Stephanie Knatz Peck, Jason McCray, Laura Greathouse, Danika Peterson, Amber Scott, Ivan Eisler, Walter H. Kaye
• oi: 10.1002/eat.22876. Epub 2018 May 2.
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Mental Health Project: Binge-Eating Disorder Essay

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Characteristics

What are the dsm-iv-tr and the dsm-v, how does the dsm-iv-tr describe the mental illness, what famous person deals with the disorder you researched.

In the United States, binge-eating disorder is the most prevalent among other eating disorders. The disorder is not age-specific and it affects all age groups; however, it is most common among adults and teenagers. Individuals with this disorder consume abnormally huge amounts of food within a short time. Additionally, after eating such unusual amounts of food, these individuals often feel guilt and loss of control over their bingeing episodes. According to research, it was Albert Stunkard, a psychiatrist, who first took note of the disorder in 1959 (Guerdjikova et al., 2017). During this time, Stunkard described a type of eating disorder characterized by eating huge amounts of food at inconsistent intervals. Among the elements he noted about the disorder is that it included night-eating episodes.

After a while, the term binge-eating became widely used for research purposes. Around 1987, the American Psychiatric Association (APA), in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), referred to binge-eating (Guerdjikova et al., 2017). During this period, the categorization of this disorder was under the features and criteria of bulimia. The reason for this categorization was because bulimia has the characteristics of a series of purging and bingeing episodes. The APA, in 1994, listed binge-eating in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV). During this time, it was still under bulimia and therefore, it was not a disorder that stood on its own and therefore, was an EDNOS (eating disorder not otherwise specified).

With its mention in the DSM and its categorization as an EDNOS, binge-eating constantly gained attention. The result was the start of the Binge-Eating Disorder Association (BEDA), a non-profit organization (Guerdjikova et al., 2017). The main role of the organization was to advocate, support, and help the binge-eating disorder society. The APA, in 2013, revised its DSM-IV and released the DSM-V, which categorized binge-eating as a disorder on its own (Guerdjikova et al., 2017). With this development, people could finally get treatment for the disorder under their medical cover. Additionally, the disorder also gained legitimacy, which means that medical providers could now take it as a serious illness.

Since its recognition as an official disorder, there are several characteristics distinct to binge-eating. One of the characteristics of the disorder is that it is associated with eating large food quantities within a short period. The short time is usually eating food within over two hours (Guerdjikova et al., 2017). Individuals, in this case, generally feel that they cannot control their eating habits. Additionally, people with binge-eating disorders eat until they feel uncomfortably full. The reason for this is that they eat even when they do not feel hungry or when they are full. They continue this habit at different periods during the day and in some cases, at the night.

The other characteristic of this disorder includes eating in secrete or alone. The reason they do so is that they normally feel ashamed of their eating habits. As a result, this causes these individuals to develop depression, guilt, or maybe upset. They, therefore, engage in activities such as dieting to lose weight. These weight loss activities generally do not work because the individual may not lose weight. Unlike other people with other disorders such as bulimia, individuals with binge-eating disorders do not compensate for the excess calories by exercising excessively, using laxatives, and vomiting. Additionally, if these individuals restrict their diet, the result would be continued binge-eating.

Some of the characteristics of the disorder are the factors that may increase its development. One of these factors includes family history, which may explain that the disease may be genetically transmitted. According to research, there is a strong connection between family members who had or have the disorder and children who have binge-eating disorder (Guerdjikova et al., 2017). The other characteristic of binge-eating disorder is that it is prevalent in individuals who have a history of dieting. Studies demonstrate that restricting calories or dieting at particular periods may activate a desire to binge eat, particularly when an individual suffers from depression Cite). Additionally, those individuals with binge-eating disorders usually have psychological issues.

DSM-IV-TR offers criterion sets for diagnostics to help guide a medical practitioner towards the right diagnosis. DSM-IV-TR is an extra segment dedicated to differential diagnosis if individuals meet the criteria for diagnostic for at least two disorders (Guerdjikova et al., 2017). The purpose of this data is to aid the practitioner to ascertain which specific mental disorder is present. DSM-IV-TR is important in identifying a specific pathology and therefore, the clinician would propose a distinct treatment. Nevertheless, DSM-IV-TR generally fails in this objective, notwithstanding the best attempts of the major researchers and clinicians who developed the document. The document is; however, essential in providing a guideline is diagnosing mental disorders.

The DSM-V is an update of the DSM-IV-TR manual on the guidelines of how to deal with mental disorders. The DSM-V is a product of more than ten years of research from major researchers and clinicians in every aspect of mental health (Peters & Matson, 2019). Because of their hard work and dedication, the mental health sectors now have an authoritative manual that classifies and defines mental disorders to enhance research, treatment, and diagnoses. Researchers and clinicians utilize the manual to classify and diagnose mental disorders by exploiting its explicit and concise criteria. The purpose of the criterion is to assess symptom presentations in different clinical environments such as primary care, consultation-liaison, outpatient, and inpatient.

There are some notable changes that the DSM-V includes that the DSM-IV-TR does not have. One of these changes is how it categorizes substance abuse. In the DSM-IV-TR, there are two categories of substance abuse disorder; substance dependence and substance abuse (Peters & Matson, 2019). On the other hand, the DSM-V combines these classifications into one and provides one diagnosis. Furthermore, in the DSM-IV, substance abuse disorder was under legal issues. After its revision, the DMS-V removed the classification and replaced it with a strong urge or desire or craving to use a substance. Additionally, there was the removal of the diagnosis and physiological subtypes of polysubstance dependence.

DSM-IV-TR describes the binge-eating disorder in six different and distinct criteria. The first category is criterion one and specifically defines binge-eating as recurrent episodes. In this case, the disorder is characterized by eating at a distinct time; generally within roughly two hours (Peters & Matson, 2019). Secondly, this criterion is characterized by a lack of control over food consumed during any given time. The second category is criterion two which is marked by roughly three characteristics. In this case, an individual eats more than usual, may feel uncomfortable as a result of over eating, may eat huge amounts of food even when full, and has feelings of depression or disgust with oneself.

DSM-IV-TR further describes a binge-eating disorder in the third stage known as criterion three. Here the individual starts to realize that they may have a problem with eating. These people start to develop distress as a result of this realization. However, in this case, they may not fully realize that they may have a problem. They may continue in their habits of overeating for several days before admitting that they have a problem. The fourth classification for binge-eating disorder, according to the DSM-IV-TR, is the fourth criterion. Here, the manual describes the condition as a situation where an individual eats large amounts of food for at least two days a week for six months.

The fifth step involves the relationship between binge-eating and other compensatory behaviors. The step is known as criterion five and according to the manual, binge-eating is not associated with inappropriate compensatory behaviors. In this case, individuals do not engage in such habits as exercising, fasting, or purging. Moreover, when an individual becomes overweight, such inappropriate behaviors do not help them lose weight. Finally, DSM-IV-TR does not have a sixth stage, which was one of the adjustments made in the DSM-V. All these criteria are essential in diagnosing mental health disorders. Researchers and clinicians can identify and provide specific medications for the disease once diagnosed using the DSM-IV-TR.

Several famous people are dealing with binge-eating disorders. I researched Candace Camerone Bure, an American talk show panelist, author, producer, and actress. The actress admitted that he developed an eating disorder after taking a break from her acting role. During this time, because she was mostly lonely, she developed an unhealthy relationship with food. Bure admits that because she was no longer working, she had a lot of time in her hand with nothing to do. The unhealthy behavior started slowly until she found herself developing a binge-eating pattern. She did not realize that she was developing this habit until it became apparent to her that she was gaining weight.

At a particular point, Bure started showing the signs and symptoms of binge-eating. In this case, she admits that she started feeling shameful concerning her eating patterns. Because she was guilty about her habits, she hid her habit from family and friends. The situation was followed by purging to ensure that she did not gain any more weight. Her condition continued until she was caught by one of her family members. At this point, she decided to stop because she felt disappointed with herself. She admitted that she could not control herself and could not stop eating even when she was full.

After being caught, she decided to stop for a given period. However, a few years later, she found herself back into her old habits. The condition became worse the second time and was unable to control it. Bure’s reason to stop, in the first case, was to please her family member. She admits that she was bound by the disorder and she felt that it controlled her. As a result, she was more depressed and felt helpless. The first time, she had no proper tools to combat the disorder. The second time, she set a new goal that involved stopping the habit for her good. Bure attributed her disorder to emotional issues and was able to stop when she was introduced to the right people who helped her through the situation.

Guerdjikova, A. I., Mori, N., Casuto, L. S., & McElroy, S. L. (2017). Binge eating disorder . Psychiatric Clinics of North America , 40 (2), 255-266.

Peters, W. J., & Matson, J. L. (2019). Comparing rates of diagnosis using DSM-IV-TR versus DSM-5 criteria for autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders , 50 (6), 1898-1906.

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IvyPanda . "Mental Health Project: Binge-Eating Disorder." August 11, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/mental-health-project-binge-eating-disorder/.