Resources

• Anorexia Nervosa: restriction leads to excessive weight loss or the inability to gain the  appropriate amount of weight

• Atypical Anorexia: individuals show the same symptoms as Anorexia Nervosa but they are often ignored because they end up at what is viewed as a above “normal” or “normal” after severe weight loss 

• Bulimia Nervosa: a cycle occurs where those suffering frequently binge and then attempt to reverse the effects by carrying out behaviors such as vomiting

• Binge eating disorders: large amounts of food are eaten at once regardless of appetite, this behavior is frequently discrete due to immense guilt

• ARFID: food avoidance occurs due to a lack of interest in food, sensory issues, or a fear of choking

• OSFED: individuals do not qualify for anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorders however they still reflect significant disordered eating

• UFED: individuals do not meet the criteria for other conditions however they show distress within social or occupational areas

• Rumination disorder: regurgitation occurs on a regular basis for a month or longer

• Pica: non-nutritional items are consumed

• Orthorexia: an obsession with healthy eating leads to damage

• SEED: long lasting disorder eating that leads to severe effects

• Additional disorders/mental health conditions (substance use disorders, impulse control disorders, anxiety, depression, etc...)

• Self-isolation

• Damaged organs and systems of the body (brain damage, cardiac complications ranging from palpitations to heart failure, compromised immune system, gastrointestinal issues, etc...)

• Elevated blood pressure/cholesterol

• Irregular menstruation

• Osteoporosis

• Dental erosion

• Swollen cheeks/jaw

• Cold or swollen hands/feet

• Dermatologic complications (hair loss, excess fine body hair, brittle nails, skin thinning, etc...)

• Russel’s sign (when permanent marks are left on the hands as a result of self-induced vomiting)

• Dehydration

• Fatigue

• Sleep problems

• Fainting

• Difficulty concentrating

• Body Order

• Slowed/poor wound healing

There are numerous centers and support groups created around eating disorder treatment, to find places close to you simply google phrases similar to “eating disorder treatment centers near me.” If someone you know reflects symptoms and you confront them about it, remain calm and listen without judging or blaming them. It is very important that professional help is searched for as soon as possible because early intervention is key! If you would like to know more, NEDA and NIMH are great reliable sources to utilize.

Link to visit NEDA: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

Link to visit NIMH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders