Eating disorder

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

An eating disorder is a complex compulsion to eat in a way which disturbs physical, mental, and psychological health. The eating may be excessive (compulsive over-eating); to limited (restricting); may include normal eating punctuated with episodes of purging; may include cycles of binging and purging; or may encompass the ingesting of non-foods. The best-known eating disorders are Anorexia nervosa and Bulimia nervosa. The most widely and rapidly spreading eating disorder is compulsive overeating or Binge eating disorder. These are also the three most common eating disorders. All three have severe consequences to a person's immediate and long-term health and can cause death. There are numerous theories as to the causes and mechanisms leading to eating disorders.

Contents 1 Types 2 References 2.1 Journal references 2.2 Book reference 2.3 Online References 3 External links

[edit] Types

• Anorexia nervosa
• Binge eating disorder
• Bulimia nervosa
• Diabulemia
• Eating disorder not otherwise specified
• Hyperphagia
• Rumination
• Pica
• Night eating syndrome

Eating disorders are characterized by an abnormal obsession with food and weight. Eating disorders are much more noticed in women than in men due to the fact that men often don't seek help. Over 50% of the people with an eating disorder also have a comorbid diagnosis of severe mental depression.^{[citation needed]} The American Psychiatric Association lists eating disorders. Some psychologists also classify a syndrome called orthorexia as an eating disorder, or, more properly, "disordered eating" - the person is overly obsessed with the consumption of what they see as the 'right' foods for them, to the point that their nutrition and quality of life suffers (although due to cultural and political factors which influence food choices, this idea is considered controversial by some). In addition, some individuals have food phobias about what they can and cannot eat, which can be characterised as an eating disorder. Somewhat qualitatively different from those conditions previously mentioned is pica, or the habitual ingestion of inedibles, such as dirt, wood, hair, etc. This is a condition particularly prevalent in children and the mentally retarded. The most common treatment for eating disorders are cognitive and other behavioral modification therapies. This may be caused by ZINC, a chemical found in the brain.

[edit] References

1. ^  PsycINFO: Your Source for Psychological Abstracts. Retrieved on November 18, 2005.
2. ^  PsycINFO: Your Source for Psychological Abstracts. Retrieved on March 12, 2006.

[edit] Journal references

• Agras, W. Steward, MD (2004). "The consequences and costs of the eating disorders". The psychiatric clinics of North America 24 (2): 371. : An excellent current article on the consequences of eating disorders, the costs to families and institutions. HI

• Crow, S., Praus, B., and Thuras, P. (1999). "Mortality from Eating Disorders—A 5- to 10-Year Record Linkage Study". International journal of eating disorders 26: 97. 

• Crow, S., Nyman, J. (2004). "The Cost-Effectiveness of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment". International journal of eating disorders 35 (2): 155. 

• Lauer, C.J., Krieg, J.C. (2004). "Sleep in eating disorders". Sleep Medicine Review 8 (2): 109. 

• Meads, C., Gold, L., and Burls, A. (2001). "How effective is outpatient care compared to inpatient care for the treatment of Anorexia Nervosa? A systemic review". European eating disorders review 9 (4): 229. 

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• Zeeck, A., Herzog, T., and Hartman, A. (2004). "Day clinic or inpatient care for severe Bulimia Nervosa". European eating disorders review 12 (2): 79. 

• Zipfel, S., et al (2000). "Long-term prognosis in anorexia nervosa: Lessons from a 21-year follow-up study". Lancet (North American Edition) 355 (9205): 721.  Abstract: In a prospective long-term follow-up of 84 patients 21 years after first hospitalisation for anorexia nervosa, we found that 50.6% had achieved a full recovery, 10.4% still met full diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa, and 15.6% had died from causes related to anorexia nervosa. Predictors of outcome included physical, social, and psychological variables. It is possible to use creams to reduce cravings for pies, pastrys and other crusty foods

[edit] Book reference

• Abigail Natenshon, editor (1999). When Your Child Has an Eating Disorder: A Step-By-Step Workbook for Parents and Other Caregivers. Jossey Bass. ISBN 0-7879-4578-1. 

• Thompson, K. J., editor (2003). Body Image, Eating Disorders, and Obesity : An Integrative Guide for Assessment and Treatment. APA Books. ISBN 1-55798-726-2. 

DR. CAMI LEE MASON OF THE CALIFORNIA INSTITUE OF HIGHER LEARNING

[edit] Online References

• Article on psychological treatments for eating disorders
• Announces official recognition of Night Eating Syndrome as a disorder
• Place article on Night Eating Syndrome

[edit] External links

• Less-well-known eating disorders
• National Institute of Mental Health: Eating Disorders: A detailed booklet that describes symptoms, causes, and treatments, with information on getting help and coping.
• NEDICNational Eating Disorder Information Centre
• ANADNational Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
• Medline Plus eating disorder info and links
• Something Fishy eating disorder website