Wize University Psychology Textbook > Psychological Disorders
Eating Disorders
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Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are characterized by severe abnormalities in eating and body image concerns that lead to intense distress
Anorexia nervosa:
- Characterized by intense fears of weight gain and distorted body image, which lead to severe food intake restrictions
- Much more common in women than men
- Can cause malnutrition, organ failure, and even death
Bulimia nervosa:
- Characterized by cycles of "binging" (overconsumption of food) and "purging" (vomiting, laxatives, etc.)
- Can cause gastrointestinal problems and dental erosion
Binge-eating disorder:
- Characterized by periods of binging food (rapid eating of large quantities of food, often beyond the point one wants to eat)
- Binges are associated with feelings of shame and guilt, which can lead to further psychological distress
Causes of eating disorders:
- Cultural beauty standards - eating disorders are more common in societies than value being thin and associate it with beauty
- Personality factors - anorexia is associated with perfectionism & desire to maintain control, bulimia is associated with anxiety, depression, and impulsivity