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Different Kinds/Types of Eating Disorders

Written by: Gunborg Palme, certified psychologist and certified psychotherapist, teacher and tutor in psychotherapy.
First version: 22 Jul 2008. Latest version: 15 Aug 2008.

Abstract:

What different kinds of eating disorders are there? Bulimia Nervosa, Anorexia Nervosa, Binge Eating, Partial Syndrome, Obsessive Dieters or "weight-preoccupied" individuals, etc. Obese individuals with eating disorder

Question:

What different types of eating disorders are there? Give me information on different kinds of eating disorders.

Answer:

The official medical definition of eating disorders describes the following three types of eating disorders:
Bulimia Nervosa

At first you eat quickly and excessively. This is followed by vomiting, fasting, exercise, laxatives or medicine in order to avoid an increase in weight. More.

Anorexia Nervosa

You don't eat enough to maintain your normal weight. You are very afraid of becoming fat and have false ideas about your weight and figure. More.

Binge Eating

You eat too much in periods as a consequence of a craving for food which exceeds your real nutritional needs. More.

In addition to this, there are also people who do not exactly fit into the three categories above, but who nevertheless exhibit eating disturbances. Typical examples of such cases are:
Partial Syndrome

You limit your intake of food and are preoccupied with your weight, you swing between frenzied eating and vomiting, and have other eating disorders symptoms, but still do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for full-blown eating disorders.

Obsessive Dieters or "weight-preoccupied" individuals

You think a lot about your weight and figure but not so much that you belong to the "Partial Syndrome" group.

Obese individuals with eating disorders

You eat more than you need and allow your weight to become too high for good health. Overweight can have other causes than eating disorders and can be caused by an eating disorder if there are psychological reasons for eating more than the body needs, such as when negative emotions (anger, boredom, disappointment, etc.) cause an abnormal craving for food.

Non-classifiable Disturbances
Your answer to the eating disorder test may indicate the presence of an eating disorder without any real problem with your weight, figure or eating. There are those who compulsively take laxatives to reduce weight but do not regularly eat compulsively. There are women who are very underweight but still have menstruation. A person who does not fulfil the formal definition of eating disorders may nevertheless have a serious eating disorder.
More Information about eating disorders
Sources, references: http://web4health.info/en/answers/source/ed-dia-classification.htm
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