Types of mental health conditions - EATING DISORDERS

An eating disorder is a mental health condition which, if left untreated, can lead to severe physical consequences and mental trauma.


Eating disorders are usually attempts to deal with underlying emotional distress, although the person suffering might not be fully aware of this. People with eating disorders often have a negative body image and low self-esteem, and changes in body and brain chemistry can often contribute to cycles of self-destructive behaviour.


Types of eating disorders


  • Anorexia nervosa - Anorexia involves severely restricting food intake, excessive exercising, or purging through the use of laxatives and diuretics. If left untreated, anorexia can lead to severe physical consequences, mental trauma, and even death. The symptoms of someone with anorexia can include: abnormally low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, negative body image, avoiding or skipping meals, eating only very low calorie foods, irritability, isolation, insomnia and excessive use of laxatives / diuretics. The risks associated with anorexia are: extremely low body weight, dizziness, fainting spells, constipation, heart issues, anaemia, chronic fatigue, stomach problems, brittle hair, hair loss, pale skin, dehydration, insomnia, low immune system, vomiting, and malnutrition.


  • Bulimia nervosa - Bulimia is a disorder in which the person first binge-eats, and then induces vomiting to purge their stomach contents. The symptoms of someone with bulimia are similar to anorexia and can include: eating excessively, unusual beliefs around food, low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, negative body image, vomiting food after eating, excessive use of laxatives / diuretics, irritability, isolation, and insomnia.


  • Binge eating - Binge eating disorder (BED) is a fairly recent diagnosis and involves food binges without the compensating behaviour. Frequently linked to distress, anxiety, stress, trauma, and abuse, people with BED often become overweight or obese, but not all obese people have BED. 


  • Avoidance / restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) - This disorder involves extremely picky eating, and generally occurs as a result of disruptive psychological patterns and beliefs, as well as possible genetic and behavioural disorders. The risks associated with ARFID can be sudden weight loss, anxiety, malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, digestive problems and developmental issues.