everyBody Behavioral Health

What it Anorexia Nervosa: A disorder characterized by significantly low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, and disturbance in the way body weight or shape is experienced. There are two subtypes: restricting (only caloric restriction and/or exercise) and binge-eating/purging (bingeing or purging present). Facts: • Can occur in men and women, children and adults, across various races and ethnicities • One of the highest overall death rates and suicide rates among psychiatric disorders • Early recognition and proper treatment can reduce the risk of death • The most effective treatments are re-feeding and weight restoration often with the help of a Registered Dietitian, CBT, and FBT. Symptoms / Signs to Look Out For: • Extreme restriction of food intake • Intense fear of gaining weight • Distorted perception of body weight or shape • Physical signs of malnutrition or sudden weight loss Additional Resources: • NEDA: Anorexia Nervosa information (https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/anorexia-nervosa/)

What it Bulimia Nervosa: A disorder defined by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or diuretics, fasting, or excessive exercise. Self-evaluation is unduly influenced by body shape and weight. Facts: • Affects both genders and all ages • CBT is the most effective psychotherapy • Some medications (e.g., Prozac) have been shown to improve symptoms Symptoms / Signs to Look Out For: • Recurrent binge eating episodes • Purging behaviors or other compensatory actions • Obsession with body shape and weight • Feeling lack of control over eating during a binge Additional Resources: • NEDA: Bulimia Nervosa resources (https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/bulimia-nervosa/)

What it Binge Eating Disorder (BED): Recurrent episodes of eating significantly more food than most people would in a short period of time, accompanied by a sense of lack of control. Unlike bulimia, BED is not associated with compensatory behaviors like purging. Facts: • Most common eating disorder • Associated with marked distress regarding binge eating • Occurs at least once a week for three months • The most effective psychotherapy is CBT Symptoms / Signs to Look Out For: • Eating much more rapidly than normal • Eating until uncomfortably full • Eating large amounts when not physically hungry • Eating alone due to embarrassment • Feelings of guilt or disgust after overeating Additional Resources: • NEDA: Binge Eating Disorder information(https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/binge-eating-disorder/)

What it Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): Unlike other eating disorders, ARFID is not about weight. In ARFID, individuals avoid certain foods due to color, texture, taste, pain, fear of choking, or lack of appetite. ARFID can cause complications that do affect your appetite and overall health due to a lack of adequate nutrition. Facts: • Symptoms often begin in childhood but can persist into adulthood • Can result in inadequate nutrition, growth issues, or interference with school/work • The most effective treatment is CBT, which helps with recognizing thoughts and behaviors regarding food, feeling less anxious around food, feeling more comfortable with a wider food variety Symptoms / Signs to Look Out For: • Limited variety of accepted foods • Anxiety around eating or food • Nutritional deficiencies or failure to gain expected weight • Social avoidance around meals • Little or no appetite or often feeling full before meals Additional Resources: • NEDA: ARFID information (https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/avoidant-restrictive-food-intake-disorder-arfid/)

What it Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED / Atypical Eating Disorders): Individuals who experience disordered eating behaviors that do not meet full criteria for anorexia or bulimia but still require treatment. Facts: • Includes atypical anorexia nervosa, subthreshold bulimia nervosa, subthreshold BED, purging disorder, and night eating syndrome • People may show symptoms similar to anorexia or bulimia but not meet all diagnostic criteria Symptoms / Signs to Look Out For: • Irregular eating patterns • Purging or binge behaviors not meeting full criteria • Emotional distress related to food, weight, or shape Additional Resources: • NEDA: OSFED guidance (https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/osfed/)