A Disturbed Attitude Towards Food is the Basic Characteristic of an Eating Disorder

Abstract

An eating disorder is a psychological disorder that includes a range of emotional and physical symptoms. They most commonly occur in the younger years and adolescence, however, anyone, including older adults, can develop an eating disorder. An eating disorder is characterized by a disturbed attitude towards food, a negative image of one's body and impaired self-esteem. Eating disorders are psychologically and physically difficult conditions, since eating or not eating becomes the biggest preoccupation of the affected persons. There are three basic types: anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive overeating. In addition to them, there are also non-specific forms of eating disorders that cannot be classified into one of the three basic types. As a mental disorder with high mortality, severe physical consequences and numerous prejudices, eating disorders also affect the patient's entire family. This brings us to a critical mass of people affected by the aforementioned disease, which represents a serious public health problem.