Eating disorders

Article By:

Grilo, Carlos M. Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.

Last reviewed:April 2019

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.757276

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• Eating disorders, published June 2014:Download PDF Get Adobe Acrobat Reader

Disorders characterized by abnormal eating behaviors, extreme weight-control behaviors, and dysfunctional beliefs about eating, weight, and body shape. Individuals suffering from eating disorders display abnormal eating behaviors and extreme weight-control behaviors, and they have dysfunctional beliefs about eating, weight, and body shape. Many of these individuals develop their disorders in adolescence (Fig. 1), with the abnormal behaviors continuing throughout adulthood. In the current classification system of eating disorders, there are three formal diagnoses: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. In addition, there are several forms of abnormal eating and extreme dieting that have only some of the features required for an eating disorder diagnosis; these cases are classified as eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS). Several additional specific types of abnormal eating (for example, night eating syndrome) and inappropriate dieting (for example, purging disorder) are the subject of increasing attention, but they require further research to establish their validity. It also should be pointed out that obesity is classified as a general medical condition and not as an eating disorder (a psychiatric condition) because it is not consistently associated with psychological or behavioral problems. See also: Affective disorders; Epidemic of obesity; Mental disorders; Obesity; Psychology

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