Unraveling the Different Types of Eating Disorders
If reading about symptoms of different types of eating disorders may be triggering for you, please skip this blog post.
Looking at the different types of eating disorders can be tricky because most of us do not fit into a specific box. This can lead to thoughts of not being “sick enough” or being “too complicated”. So if you feel confused or overwhelmed by the definitions, know that you are not alone. You do not need to fit into one box perfectly in order to deserve help and support.
Eating disorders are a mental health condition that affects individuals of all ages, genders, sexual orientation, culture, and body size. We know that they go beyond concerns around food or weight, often stemming from much deeper emotional struggles. Here we will explore the different types of eating disorders and how they differ.
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia is characterized by restriction, intense fear of gaining weight, and negative body image. It usually involves restricting food intake, sometimes cutting out whole food groups or not eating enough to keep your body functioning properly. Folks struggling with anorexia often have an intense fear of gaining weight and struggle with negative views of their body.
What is important to know is that anorexia is not just about food. It ties to much deeper emotional and mental struggles. Anorexia has one of the highest death rates of any mental health condition, as well as one of the highest suicide rates. This makes it especially serious, and it’s a reminder of why getting help is so incredibly important.
Something that surprises many folks is that anorexia does not only impact women. About 25% of those struggle with anorexia are men. There is a common myth that only women struggle with eating disorders, but the truth is that anyone, no matter their gender, can be affected.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia is a serious eating disorder where someone has episodes of eating a large amount of food in a short period of time. During these episodes, it may feel like there is no control over what or how much you are eating. Afterward, feelings of guilt, shame, or embarrassment often follow. This can sometimes lead to hiding food or eating when no one is around. The second piece of builimia is when there is an attempt to get rid of the food eaten. Some folks with bulimia use harmful behaviors such as, purging (vomiting), exercising excessively, or using laxative or diet pills. Folks struggling with bulimia often feel unhappy with their bodies, and struggle with negative body image, leading to cycles of binge eating and harmful compensatory behaviors.
Similar to anorexia, bulimia is not just about food, but rather deeper emotional concerns. More than half of those struggling with bulimia also struggle with anxiety or other mental health issues. About 25% of those struggling with bulimia, like anorexia, are also men, emphasizing more than eating disorders can impact any gender. The most important thing to remember is that if you are struggling with these feelings and behaviors, you are not alone and help is available. You do not need to face this by yourself.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
Binge Eating Disorder is when someone is struggling with epsidoes of binge eating (similar to bulimia). However, the key difference is that with BED, there is not any attempt to “undo” the eating with compensatory behaviors. The binge episodes can cause a lot of physical discomfort and emotional pain. Someone struggling with BED, often feels disgusted with themselves, experiences depression, and feel embarressed about their eating habits.
Binge Eating Disorder is actually the most common eating disorder and is even more common than breast cancer! Here are a few common myths that may surprise you about BED.
Around 30-40% of those trying to lose weight actually develop BED.
About 40% of those struggling with BED are men.
Only about 70% of those with BED are considered “obese”, despite most thinking that all of folks that struggle with binge eating disorder are overweight or obese.
This shows the BED can affect anyone, no matter their body size, weight, shape, or gender.
Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders (OSFED)
This one is a bit less specific. It basically takes the above diagnoses and says if you do not fit the full criteria, you may have OSFED. If you are struggling with restriction, however, are not considered underweight, or if you have all the behaviors of bulimia or BED with lower frequency of behaviors, this would be OSFED. There is also purging disorder that is classified under OSFED where there is no restricting or binging but purging behaviors, as well as night eating syndrome. Night eating syndrome is when one wakes up in the middle of the night to eat.
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
ARFID is a different type of eating disorder than the above, because there is no negative body image present. It focuses on the anxiety and stress that food presents when it comes to swallowing, choking, vomiting, or certain textures. This presents with the elimination of many foods and severe malnourishment. ARFID is commonly seen in those diagnosed with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
In conclusion, it is important to know the different types of eating disorders. However, many folks that struggle with one, may also struggle with another at some point in their recovery. You do not need to be put into one specific box in order to need help. If you can relate to even ONE of these symptoms discussed in this article, you deserve help. At Serendipity Counseling Services, we are here to support you through your recovery, whether you have a specific diagnosis, or just want to improve your relationship with food.
About the Author
Kate Ringwood is a licensed professional counselor and owner of Serendipity Counseling Services. Kate brings her background of education in nutrition and mental health counseling, as well as personal experience as a recovered athlete. Kate now focuses on supporting others through their own journey of eating disorder recovery, while navigating their life as an athlete.
