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» Schizophrenia
- Featured Stories - Schizophrenia Research - Recently Diagnosed » Depression - Featured Stories - Depression Research - Recently Diagnosed » Bipolar Disorder - Featured Stories - Bipolar Disorder Research - Recently Diagnosed » Anxiety - Generalized Anxiety - Panic Disorder - Phobias - Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - Post-Traumatic Disorder - Featured Stories - Anxiety Research - Recently Diagnosed  Childhood Disorders
- Childhood Anxiety Disorder - Autism - Attention Deficit- Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Childhood Bipolar Disorder - Childhood Depression - Childhood Schizophrenia - Featured Stories - Childhood Disorders Research - Recently Diagnosed |
 Eating Disorders  There are two main types of eating disorders, anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an abnormal fear of becoming obese, a distorted self-image, a persistent unwillingness to eat, and severe weight loss. It is often accompanied by self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, malnutrition, amenorrhea, and other physiological changes. Bulimia is an illness defined by food binges, or recurrent episodes of significant overeating, that are accompanied by a sense of loss of control. The affected person then uses various methods -- such as vomiting or laxative abuse -- to prevent weight gain. Many, but not all, people with bulimia may also suffer from anorexia nervosa. Binge-eating disorder, a third type of eating disorder, has not been formally recognized and approved as a psychiatric disorder. Eating disorders frequently develop during adolescence or early adulthood, but some reports indicate onset can occur during childhood or later in adulthood. Anorexia mortality rates are approximately .56 percent per year. That is 12 times higher than the annual death rate due to other causes in the general population. Symptoms Eating disorders affect some several million people at any given time, most often women between the ages of 12 and 35. About five to 15 percent of people are affected by anorexia or bulimia, while 35 percent of binge eaters are male. People with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa tend to be perfectionists who suffer from low self-esteem and are extremely critical of themselves and their bodies. They usually “feel fat” and see themselves as overweight, sometimes even despite life-threatening semi-starvation (or malnutrition). An intense fear of gaining weight and of being fat may become all-pervasive. In early stages of these disorders, patients often deny that they have a problem. In many cases, eating disorders frequently occur with other mental disorders such as depression, substance abuse, and anxiety disorders. Causes Eating disorders are complex conditions that arise from a combination of factors. Scientists and researchers are still learning about the causes of these emotionally and physically damaging conditions. But it is known that emotional, psychological, interpersonal, social, and biological factors may contribute to these disorders. Treatment Eating disorders illustrate a connection between emotional and physical health, and as a result psychotherapy can be an effective form of treatment. Psychotherapy helps individuals to address the underlying emotional problems that cause or trigger the abnormal eating behaviors. In addition, some medications can be helpful in treatment. Because of the serious physical problems caused by eating disorders, it is vital the treatment plan include general medical care, nutritional management, and nutritional counseling. These measures help to rebuild physical well-being and healthy eating behaviors. Although eating disorders are treatable, they can be long-term illnesses that require long-term care. The earlier these disorders are diagnosed and treated, the better the chances are for full recovery. If you think your child may be experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder, trained medical help should be sought immediately. Families can turn to child psychiatrists and psychologists and developmental/behavioral pediatricians. These individuals are those who are most often trained in eating disorders or in the diagnosis of other childhood mental disorders. » NARSAD's Role in Childhood Disorders Research
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