Types of eating disorders

Types of eating disorders

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa is characterised by self-starvation and excessive weight loss resulting in dangerously low body weight.

Some symptoms include:

Refusal to maintain weight at or above a normal weight for height, body-type, age and activity level.
Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming "fat".
Body image disturbance ie feeling "fat" despite being underweight.
Loss of menstrual periods in women.
Extreme concern with body weight and shape.

To download information about Anorexia Nervosa for suffererers and their carers from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists please press here

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa is characterised by an often-secretive cycle of binge eating followed by purging. Bulimia includes eating large amounts of food (ie more than most people would eat in a meal) over a short period of time and then "compensating" or getting rid of the food by vomiting, laxative abuse or over-exercising.

Some symptoms include:

Repeated episodes of binge eating and purging, often resulting in feelings of shame and self-hatred.
Feelings of being out of control during a binge and eating beyond comfortable fullness.
Purging after a binge (this may include vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diet pills or diuretics, excessive exercise or fasting).
Extreme concern with weight and shape. Frequent dieting.

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge Eating Disorder is characterised by periods of uncontrolled, impulsive or continuous eating to the point of being uncomfortably full.

Some symptoms include:

Repeated episodes of binge eating which often result in feelings of shame and self-hatred.
No compensatory behaviour (ie vomiting, laxative abuse, excessive exercise) after bingeing.
May result in obesity.

Other Eating Disorders

These may sometimes be referred to as Eating Disorders not Otherwise Specified (or EDNOS).

It is important to note that not everyone with an eating disorder may fall in into a specific category. If you are worried about the health of a friend or family member or your own health, be aware of the warning signs of eating difficulties and remember that early intervention is a positive thing.

EDNOS incorporates all of those people who may not be diagnosed with Anorexia, Bulimia or Binge eating disorder, but who still have disordered eating. They are equally serious disorders also requiring professional help.

Other eating disorders include:

Those who have only some of the characteristics of the other eating disorders (not enough to fulfil medical criteria).
Those who may chew food and spit it out (not swallowing).
Those who severely restrict food intake, but who do not meet full criteria for Anorexia.
Those who binge and purge irregularly.

Last Updated 23-Oct-2009. Authorised by: Stephanie Jones. Enquiries: Michelle Roberton.