Eating Disorders (Anorexia - Bulimia)

10 min reading time Last Update Date: 04.07.2023
The treatment content titled Eating Disorders (Anorexia - Bulimia) has been written by Doktorumsun and has been reviewed and approved by Dyt. Selin SÖZ (Nutritionist).

What is Eating Disorder?

Eating disorder is a psychological disorder that includes abnormal behaviors and thoughts related to nutrition and weight control. Individuals may exhibit uncontrolled behaviors in their eating habits, refuse foods or consume excessive amounts.

What are the Types of Eating Disorders?

1. Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by extreme weight loss and malnutrition. Individuals constantly try to control their weight, limit their food intake, and may have an abnormal perception of their body.

What are the Diagnostic Criteria for Anorexia Nervosa?

To diagnose anorexia nervosa, evaluation is made according to certain criteria. These criteria include excessive weight loss, malnutrition behaviors, and abnormal perceptions of body weight and shape.

What are the Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa?

Symptoms of anorexia nervosa include extreme weight loss, fear of eating, obsessive preoccupation with body weight, lack of energy, and hormonal problems.

2. Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder in which repetitive episodes of eating are followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or hunger.

What are the Diagnostic Criteria for Bulimia Nervosa?

Certain criteria are considered to diagnose bulimia nervosa. These criteria include recurrent eating episodes, uncontrolled eating behaviors, and compensatory behaviors.

What are the Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa?

The symptoms of bulimia nervosa can be listed as follows:

  • Diagnostic features:
    • Eating attack: Consuming large amounts of food uncontrollably over a period of time.
    • Compensatory behaviors: Using methods such as vomiting, laxative use, excessive exercise or starvation to compensate for eating attacks.
  • General symptoms:
    • Frequent weight changes.
    • Low self-esteem and negative body image.
    • Intense feeling of guilt or shame after eating attacks.
    • Confidentiality and social isolation in eating habits.
    • Irregular menstrual cycle.
    • Tooth decay or enamel loss.
    • Irritation or pain in the throat.

The symptoms of bulimia nervosa can have negative effects on the health, nutrition and psychological state of the individual. These symptoms can be severe and seriously affect a person's quality of life. Bulimia nervosa can cause health problems such as physical complications, electrolyte imbalances, digestive problems, dental problems, and heart problems.

In addition, bulimia nervosa also has psychological effects. It is associated with low self-esteem, low self-esteem, negative body image, and depression. At the same time, intense feelings of guilt, shame and loss of control after eating attacks are among the symptoms of bulimia nervosa.

It is important to be treated and expert help is required in this process. A multidisciplinary approach is generally followed in the treatment of bulimia nervosa. Support is provided for the individual's medical, nutritional and psychological needs. Methods such as therapy, nutritional counseling, drug therapy and support groups can be used in treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment are important in the fight against bulimia nervosa and increase the individual's chance of recovery.

3. Binge Eating Disorder

Big eating disorder is characterized by binge eating attacks and uncontrolled eating behaviors. In this disorder, the person consumes much larger amounts of food than usual over a period of time. While consuming food, the person cannot control himself and usually eats quickly. This can result in feelings of physical discomfort, guilt, and shame.

Big eating disorder usually occurs on a psychological basis. It may be that the person uses eating behavior as a coping mechanism for problems such as stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem or lack of self-esteem. This disorder negatively affects the quality of life of the individual and may cause physical health problems.

The treatment of binge eating disorder is carried out under expert guidance. Methods such as therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, nutritional counseling and support groups can be used. The aim of treatment is to learn to control eating behaviors, to develop alternative strategies to deal with emotional problems and to establish a healthy diet. The individual's motivation, support environment and expert guidance play an important role in the success of the treatment.

What are the Diagnostic Criteria for Binge Eating Disorder?

The diagnostic criteria for binge eating disorder are determined as follows:

  • Recurrent episodes of binge eating within a certain period of time
  • Inability to control oneself and eating quickly during overeating
  • Experiencing guilt, shame, or frustration after binge eating attacks
  • Consumption of large amounts of food, often during binge attacks
  • Repetition of the binge eating behavior within a certain period of time (at least once a week)
  • Behaviors aimed at compensating for calories consumed, such as vomiting oneself, exercising excessively, or following starvation diets after eating attacks
  • The negative effects of binge eating on one's life

According to these diagnostic criteria, a diagnosis of binge eating disorder can be made by a specialist.

4. Emotional Eating Disorder

Emotional eating disorder is a type of eating disorder in which emotional states have a significant impact on food consumption. Below are the symptoms of emotional eating disorder:

  • Experiencing episodes of binge eating accompanied by emotional fluctuations, stress, or distress
  • Using food as a source of relief or comfort when feeling stressed or distressed
  • Eating attacks are usually experienced alone
  • Experiencing feelings of guilt, shame, or regret after eating
  • Emotional eating behavior that occurs over a period of time and repetitively
  • Emotional eating behavior negatively affects one's life

Emotional eating disorder can have significant effects on an individual's emotional and psychological health and may require specialist help.

5. Unclassifiable Eating Disorder

Unclassifiable eating disorder is a diagnosis given to a category that differs from other types of eating disorders that meet certain criteria. In this case, although the person shows signs of eating disorder, a definitive diagnosis has not been made or does not meet the current diagnostic criteria. Symptoms of unclassifiable eating disorder may be individual-specific and require specialist evaluation. In this case, it is important to work through the person's signs and symptoms and develop appropriate treatment methods.

Eating Disorders
Type Description
Anorexia Nervosa An eating disorder characterized by extreme weight loss and inadequate nutrition. Individuals with anorexia nervosa constantly try to control their weight, restrict food intake, and may have an abnormal perception of their bodies.
Bulimia Nervosa An eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or fasting.
Binge Eating Disorder An eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of uncontrollable overeating without compensatory behaviors. Individuals with binge eating disorder often eat rapidly and to the point of discomfort, followed by feelings of guilt and shame.
Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED) A category used to diagnose eating disorders that do not fully meet the criteria for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder. This includes atypical presentations or combinations of symptoms.
Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorder (UFED) A diagnosis given when symptoms characteristic of an eating disorder are present but do not meet the specific criteria for any particular disorder.

What are the Symptoms of Eating Disorder?

Symptoms of eating disorders may differ from person to person, but in general, the following symptoms are common:

  • Significant changes in eating habits (overeating, extreme hunger, frequent dieting)
  • Do not practice yo-yo diets frequently
  • Obsessive thoughts and obsessions about food
  • Preoccupied with body weight or shape
  • A sense of loss of control during or after eating
  • Low self-esteem, low self-esteem
  • Hiding or lying about your eating habits
  • Physical symptoms: weight changes, stomach problems, tiredness, dizziness, skin problems
  • Social withdrawal, avoidance of social activities
  • Depression, anxiety or other mood disorders

These symptoms may indicate one or more eating disorders. If you or someone close to you is observing the symptoms of eating disorder, it is important to consult a specialist and get support for the correct diagnosis and treatment process.

What is Eating Disorder Treatment?

Eating disorder treatment is a process that aims to support the individual's physical, psychological and social well-being. Treatment usually requires a multidisciplinary approach and may include the following methods:

  • Psychotherapy: Individual or group psychotherapy is an effective method in the treatment of eating disorders. Therapists help an individual understand their eating habits, thoughts, and emotional states.
  • Nutrition Counseling: Nutritionists help individuals develop healthy eating habits and create a regular eating plan. Proper nutrition and nutrition in accordance with the needs of the body are important.
  • Medication Therapy: In some cases, medications can be used to treat eating disorders. These medications can help manage certain symptoms, but are not used as a stand-alone treatment.
  • Family Therapy: Therapy with the family of an individual with an eating disorder aims to provide support, improve communication skills and improve family dynamics.
  • Support Groups: Support groups for individuals with eating disorders can be helpful in sharing experiences, getting support, and staying motivated.

Does Eating Disorder Go away with the Help of a Psychologist?

The help of a psychologist is of great importance for individuals with eating disorders. Psychologists support individuals in the therapy process to improve their mental and emotional health. Understanding the psychological factors underlying the eating disorder contributes to the individual's recovery process.

How Does Eating Disorder Happen?

Eating disorders often occur as a result of a combination of several factors. These may include:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Environmental influences (media, cultural pressures, country's eating habits)
  • Psychological factors (stress, anxiety, low self-esteem)
  • Experienced traumas
  • Idealized body image and weight perception
  • Feeling of loss of control

Which Department to Go to for Eating Disorder?

Individuals diagnosed with eating disorders can apply to health professionals with specialties such as psychiatry, psychology, nutrition and dietetics. Usually, the treatment process is guided by a multidisciplinary team.

How to Treat Someone with an Eating Disorder?

You can consider the following approaches to support someone with an eating disorder:

  • Show understanding and empathy
  • Providing support and encouragement rather than criticism
  • Be patient and respect the individual's own pace of recovery
  • Encourage seeking professional help
  • Be sensitive about negative body image and diet
  • To communicate safely and healthily

Which Department of the Hospital should make an appointment for the Treatment of Eating Disorder?

A patient with a suspected eating disorder should usually make an appointment with the Department of Psychiatry or Nutrition and Dietetics. These departments include doctors who specialize in eating disorders. Eating disorders are complex disorders that need to be treated, both psychologically and nutritionally.

  • Psychiatry Psychiatrists are doctors who specialize in mental health and psychological disorders. Eating disorders are disorders where psychological factors are at the forefront. Psychiatrists play an important role in the diagnosis, treatment and psychotherapy processes of such disorders.
  • Nutrition and Dietetics: Nutritionists and dietitians specialize in healthy eating and nutritional disorders. They assist in tackling eating disorders with nutrition-focused treatments such as the creation of appropriate nutrition plans, nutritional monitoring, and therapeutic diets.

A patient with a suspected eating disorder should make an appointment with Psychiatry or Nutrition and Dietetics to consult a specialist who can assess their symptoms and condition. Specialist doctors will make a detailed evaluation, perform the necessary tests and interviews, and determine the appropriate treatment approaches.

References

  • "Eating disorders." Turkish Psychiatric Association - https://psikiyatri.org.tr/halka-yonelik/32/yeme-bozukluklari
  • "Eating Disorders." National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders
  • "Eating Disorders." Mayo Clinic - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20353603
Note: The page content is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Doctors Relevant for Eating Disorders (Anorexia - Bulimia)

Dyt. Selin SÖZ
Kadıköy/İstanbul
Uzm. Dr. Yeliz POLAT
Sultangazi/İstanbul
Uzm. Kl. Psk. Ömer KURT
Beşiktaş/İstanbul
Psk. Yunus Emre ÖKSÜZ
Bakırköy/İstanbul
Dyt. Burak ALİFAKİ
Şişli/İstanbul
Uzm. Kl. Psk. Buse Nur KARA
Bakırköy/İstanbul
Uzm. Kl. Psk. Tuğba KARA AYDINLIOĞLU
Kadıköy/İstanbul
Uzm. Kl. Psk. Yonca ŞENTÜRK
Üsküdar/İstanbul
Uzm. Psk. Sinem BİÇER UÇAR
Merkez/Çanakkale
Dyt. Aslı PAKEL
Bakırköy/İstanbul
Uzm. Psk. Şule ÇOLAKEL
Şişli/İstanbul
Uzm. Dr. Meryem AY YAMAN
Antakya/Hatay