Eating disorder

Definition

Eating disorder is a mental health condition characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits that negatively impact physical and mental health. Common types include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Eating disorders can lead to severe malnutrition, electrolyte imbalance, and cardiovascular problems.
2. Pharmacological treatments for eating disorders often include antidepressants and antipsychotics.
3. Anorexiants are drugs that suppress appetite and are sometimes used under strict medical supervision in treating certain eating disorders.
4. Behavioral therapy is a crucial component of treatment alongside pharmacological interventions.
5. Early diagnosis and intervention significantly improve the prognosis of individuals with eating disorders.

Review Questions

• What are the common pharmacological treatments used for eating disorders?
• How do anorexiants function in the context of treating eating disorders?
• Why is early diagnosis important in managing eating disorders?

Related terms

Anorexia Nervosa: A type of eating disorder characterized by extreme weight loss due to self-starvation.

Bulimia Nervosa: An eating disorder involving cycles of bingeing and purging.

Binge-Eating Disorder: A condition characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food without subsequent purging behaviors.