From a diagnostic standpoint, there are three general
categories of eating disorders: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia
Nervosa, and Compulsive Overeating/Food Addiction.
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia is identified as an obsession for thinness.
Anorexia has also been defined as food-aversion syndrome.
Common characteristics include: drastic weight loss,
intense over-exercise, poor body image, self-starvation,
feeling constantly cold, dry brittle hair, hair loss,
weakness, and/or obsessive compulsive food rituals.
The anorexic will deprive him/herself of food even though
he/she may be hungry. Men will often suffer from a decrease
in sexual drive or recurring impotence. For women, amenorrhea
(loss of menstrual cycle) is typical. Anorexics are
typically perfectionists and put the needs of others
before their own. Feelings of self-worth are directly
related to what is or is not eaten. Weight expectations
are unrealistic, and the anorexic is unable to see their
body shape or size as it really it. Intense and overwhelming
fear of fat and gaining weight fuel the disease process
and push objectivity and reason out of reach. Often,
the anorexic views therapy as a manipulative tool used
to make them eat. The depression and shame caused by
anorexia disrupts relationships, interrupts schooling,
and damages careers. As the disease process worsens,
the anorexic truly faces grave danger of medical risks,
that if prolonged, guarantees a loss of life. Most importantly,
the disease destroys vital organs, causes bone loss,
and can lead to cardiac arrest. Without treatment or
counseling, the outcome of surviving anorexia is bleak.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia is an eating disorder that is progressive, addictive,
and potentially fatal. This disease is identified by
frequent episodes of binge eating (rapid consumption
of food in a distinct amount of time) followed by purging
(ridding the body of food). However, the absence of
purging does not exclude the diagnosis of bulimia! When
active in the disease process, the bulimic is faced
with extreme guilt and shame following a binge, perpetuating
the cycle of self-hate, hopelessness, and loss of control.
This guilt and self-loathing reinforce the bulimics
obsession with food and body image. The fallout of bulimia
includes a multitude of negative physical consequences--dehydration,
damage to the liver, kidney, and bowels, irregular heartbeat,
dental problems, gallbladder disease, diabetes, etc.
Along with the many medical consequences, the bulimic
faces emotional stress in the form of depression and
the loss of relationships with family and friends. As
the disease progresses, the bulimic loses the ability
to live a life that is free from addictive behaviors
and addictive thinking.
Compulsive Overeating/Food Addiction
Compulsive overeating is defined by the persistent and
obsessive pursuit of mood changes as the result of repeated
episodes of binge eating. This bingeing or overeating
continues despite adverse consequences. Compulsion and
obsession to eat is always present and thoughts of when,
where, what, and how much to eat are constant. Food
addicts and compulsive overeaters are obsessed with
food, preoccupied with weight and appearance, and eventually,
experience a loss of control over the amount of food
and what they are eating. In addition, food addicts
exhibit distorted body image. Combined, all of these
symptoms lead to depression, self-hatred, hopelessness,
and despair. The fallout of compulsive overeating includes
physical consequences such as obesity, heart problems,
diabetes, gallbladder disease, and asthma. Along with
the many physical consequences, the compulsive overeater
and food addict loses the ability to live life without
the preoccupation or symptoms of this addictive cycle.
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