DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Psychiatric Condition

Eating Disorders (Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating)

HIGH SEVERITY

Serious mental health conditions characterized by severe disturbances in eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions. Types include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. Can be life-threatening.

Global Affected

70.0M

Countries

19

Symptoms

Extreme food restriction
Binge eating episodes
Purging behaviors
Intense fear of weight gain
Distorted body image
Excessive exercise
Withdrawal from social situations
Physical symptoms (fatigue, dizziness)
Menstrual irregularities

Treatment Options

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E)
Family-based treatment (FBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT)
SSRIs (fluoxetine)
Nutritional counseling
Medical monitoring
Inpatient/residential treatment
Partial hospitalization programs
Support groups

Risk Factors

1Female gender
2Age (adolescence/young adulthood)
3Family history
4Perfectionism
5Body dissatisfaction
6Dieting history
7Athletic pressure
8Cultural/media influences
9Trauma history
10LGBTQ+ identity
11Type 1 diabetes

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Clinical interview
  • 2DSM-5 criteria
  • 3Eating Disorder Examination (EDE)
  • 4Medical evaluation
  • 5Laboratory tests
  • 6ECG (cardiac assessment)
  • 7Bone density scan
  • 8Psychological assessment

Prognosis

Variable; anorexia has highest mortality of psychiatric disorders. Early intervention improves outcomes. Recovery possible but often takes years. Relapse common. Medical complications can be severe. Mortality from suicide and medical complications.

Prevention

  • Body positivity education
  • Media literacy programs
  • Early identification in schools
  • Addressing weight stigma
  • Mental health support in athletics
  • Family communication
  • Self-esteem building
  • Resilience training

Research Status

Family-based treatment (FBT) first-line for adolescents. CBT effective for bulimia and binge eating. SSRI (fluoxetine) for bulimia. Higher level of care often needed. Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) increasingly recognized.

Affected Countries

United StatesUnited KingdomCanadaAustraliaGermanyFranceItalySpainJapanBrazilMexicoRussiaAustraliaNew ZealandSwedenNetherlandsNorwayFinlandDenmark

Sources

  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders
  • https://www.hematology.org/education/patients
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
  • https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.