Top Misconceptions about Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are a group of mental health disorders. They are diagnosed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (fifth edition). Eating disorders can occur in people of any demographic. The etiology of an eating disorder is an intersection of various biological, psychological, and social factors that are unique to the individual. Eating disorders have a detrimental effect on people’s physical and psychological health. They are labelled based on presenting symptoms and frequency.
Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa are two of the most prevalent eating disorders. Anorexia Nervosa is defined as a refusal to eat and maintain normal body weight, excessive fear of weight gain, distorted body image, and amenorrhea (American Psychological Association, 2023). Bulimia Nervosa is defined as binge eating episodes followed by compensatory behaviours (American Psychological Association, 2023). Other types of eating disorders include binge eating disorder, avoidant or restrictive food intake disorder, pica, unspecified feeding or eating disorder, and other specified feeding or eating disorder.
You may have some misconceptions about eating disorders. Firstly, many people believe that eating disorders are only experienced by women. This is false because eating disorders can affect people of any age, gender, and sexual orientation. Secondly, many people believe that an eating disorder is not that serious because many people experience them. This is false because eating disorders have serious medical implications and can have life threatening side effects. Finally, it is a popular belief that strict rules about eating and fad diets are not a problem. Many eating disorders are masked as diets that encourage undereating or restrictive eating.
Fancy Therapy Services have therapists trained to work with individuals dealing with an eating disorder. Reach out if you are in need of help!
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