Eating disorders are responsible for the highest number of deaths from psychiatric illness. An eating disorder is an illness that affects all aspects of each sufferer’s life. It is caused by a variety of emotional factors and influences, mostly by the lack of self- confidence. Eating disorders often are long-term illnesses that may require long-term treatment. The earlier these disorders are diagnosed and treated, the better the chances are for full recovery.
Having an Eating Disorder is much more than just being on a diet. Many patients think that they have a diet, but dieting is about losing a little bit of weight in a healthy way. Eating Disorders are about trying to make your whole life better through food and eating (or lack of) and about seeking approval and acceptance from everyone through negative attention. They frequently occur with other mental disorders such as depression, substance abuse, and anxiety disorders.
Eating disorders affect all ethnic and racial groups. Research shows that more than 90 percent of those who have eating disorders are women between the ages of 12 and 25. While eating disorders affect younger and younger children, not only girls but also boys suffer from eating disorders. Boys who participate in sports where weight is an issue, and often boys who experience issues regarding sexual identity, are at risk of developing eating disorders. The most common eating disorders are Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge eating and Compulsive over-eating. But other disorders exist. For example, lately researchers have discovered Orthorexia nervosa and Compulsive exercising.…
