Chapter 21 - Eating disorders

Abstract

Eating disorders negatively impact health, emotions, and daily functions. They involve altered consumption or absorption of food and usually focus excessively on weight, body shape, and the amount of food consumed. Bulimia nervosa involves binge eating, followed by self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives or diuretics, fasting, or excessive exercise. It is usually linked to depression, anxiety, and alcohol or drug problems. Binge-eating disorder is signified by consuming large amounts of food, plus feelings of a loss of self-control, but no compensations such as self-induced volume. There are negative psychological and social problems. Anorexia nervosa involves continual attempts to remain thin and an extreme fear of obesity. It may or may not include purging (self-induced vomiting). The individual feels that any weight gain is a failure of self-control. It is most common in girls and younger women. Pica is the continued eating of materials that are not really foods and have no nutritional value. These may include ice, hair, paper, sharp objects, metal, stones, soil, or glass. Pica often occurs with autism, intellectual disabilities, and schizophrenia. Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder involves avoiding foods or restricting food intake, causing extreme weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and a need for nutritional support. Rumination disorder is the continued regurgitation of food after eating. It occurs daily in most cases but can occur several times per week. Patients may attempt to disguise the disorder.