This is when a young person maintains a low body weight because of either a fear of being fat or in the pursuit of thinness. A recent study in UK general practice suggests that anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa rates have remained stable over the last decade, whilst the incidence of eating disorder not otherwise specified has increased.Įating disorders are grouped into the following conditions (NICE, 2017, APA, 2013): Prevalence is relatively stable, and there is little evidence that the number of young people diagnosed with an eating disorder overall is increasing, with many cases remaining unidentified (NICE 2017). About 90% of eating disorders develop in women and girls and most are of normal weight or above (only about 15-20% meet criteria for anorexia nervosa) (NICE 2017). Eating disorders are thought to be the third most common chronic illness (after asthma and obesity) in adolescent girls (Yeo and Hughes, 2011). Most eating disorders develop in adolescence, with those aged under 20 making up almost half of all people receiving inpatient treatment for an eating disorder in England (BEAT, 2015). The risk of early death among people with eating disorders is one of the highest among those with psychiatric disorders, either because of physical complications, such as malnutrition or heart problems, or because of suicide (Arcelus et al, 2011 Chesney et al, 2014). These conditions affect relationships with family and friends, school life and work. Young people who have an eating disorder become emotionally distressed and socially isolated, and often have a poor quality of life (Beat, 2015). This usually causes physical and psychological symptoms, some of which (may) become long-term. People who have an eating disorder have negative beliefs about themselves and about their eating, body shape and weight. However, the earlier treatment starts, the better the long-term outcomes.Ĭurrent research supports the use of several types of psychotherapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), interpersonal and family-based therapies, as well as some medications for the treatment of eating disorders. In most cases, eating disorders start in adolescence, but they are often not picked up until adulthood. The exact cause of eating disorders is not known, but it’s likely that there are several factors at play, rather than one single identifiable cause for example, a mix of social, biological, psychological and interpersonal causes.
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Most of these disorders develop in adolescence. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED).This has an impact on their physical and mental health, education, relationships and quality of life. Young people with an eating disorder have negative beliefs about themselves and about their eating, body shape and weight.